Embrace the holiday spirit with Tuscan Ricciarelli, a classic almond cookie that’s a staple in Italian Christmas celebrations. These sweet, incredibly soft, and aromatically flavored cookies are a true testament to the simplicity and elegance of traditional Tuscan baking. Made with a handful of ingredients, they boast a delightful almond and orange zest flavor, making them an irresistible treat during the festive season.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Authentic Tuscan Flavor: The combination of almond flour and orange zest offers an authentic taste of Tuscany.
- Simple Yet Elegant: These cookies are straightforward to make but deliver on flavor and texture.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Their festive flavor and soft texture make them ideal for Christmas gatherings or as a special treat to enjoy with family and friends.
Perfect Occasion: Ricciarelli are perfect for holiday gatherings, as a sweet snack with your afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift during the Christmas season.
Tuscan Ricciarelli Cookies
Ingredients:
- 200g almond flour
- 70g egg whites, at room temperature
- 200g powdered sugar
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1 teaspoon of bitter almond extract
For the Finishing:
- Water, as needed
- About 300g powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Whisk together egg whites, orange zest, and almond extract. Add powdered sugar and almond flour to form a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.
- Shape the Cookies: The next day, dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Form the dough into small cylinders, about 3-4 cm in diameter, and cut them into 1.5 cm thick discs. Shape each disc into the classic Ricciarelli form.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Generously dust them with powdered sugar. Bake at 160°C for about 20 minutes until they are lightly golden.
Enjoy these Tuscan Ricciarelli, a traditional and delightful almond cookie that brings the essence of Italian Christmas right to your home. Their soft texture and aromatic flavor are sure to make your holiday season extra special!
