Experience the exquisite taste of traditional Italian Almond Paste Cookies, a delightful treat known as "Paste alle Mandorle." Crafted with finely ground almond flour and a hint of almond essence, these cookies offer a wonderfully aromatic and sweet flavor profile, enriched with the light zest of lemon. Soft, chewy, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are a simple yet luxurious indulgence that is sure to charm anyone with a love for almond desserts.
Why You’ll Love This: Almond Paste Cookies are perfect for those who appreciate refined flavors and textures in their sweets. The use of almond flour not only imparts a rich, nutty flavor but also makes these cookies gluten-free. The added almond extract enhances the depth of almond taste, while the lemon zest brings a subtle freshness that cuts through the sweetness. These cookies are not overly sweet, which makes them an ideal companion to your afternoon tea or coffee.
Perfect Occasion: These cookies are excellent for special occasions such as holidays, family gatherings, or as a sophisticated treat at tea parties. They are also wonderful as homemade gifts during festive seasons, elegantly packaged to show off their delicate appearance. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a special family dinner, these almond paste cookies will add a touch of elegance to any event.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, press a candied cherry or an almond into the center of each cookie before baking. This not only adds a visual appeal but also complements the almond flavor. After baking, a generous dusting of powdered sugar will give these cookies a festive, snow-kissed look that is visually appealing. Serve them on a vintage platter or lace-lined basket for an extra touch of charm.
Ingredients:
- 150 grams of almond flour
- 100 grams of sugar
- 2 egg whites
- Half a vial of almond essence
- Zest of half a lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Candied cherries and almonds for decoration
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the almond flour and sugar together, breaking up any lumps in the almond flour. If almond flour is not available, you can make your own by finely grinding peeled almonds.
- In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the egg whites until frothy and add a few drops of almond essence.
- Gradually add the frothy egg whites to the almond flour mixture, stirring until you achieve a soft, sticky dough. Adjust the consistency with additional egg white or almond flour if necessary.
- Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Prepare a baking tray by sprinkling a few drops of water on it and lining it with parchment paper to prevent the paper from moving.
- Pipe the mixture into small cookie shapes on the prepared tray.
- Chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). Once chilled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before enjoying.
Indulge in the delightful taste of these Almond Paste Cookies, a perfect treat that blends tradition with the pure joy of baking!
