Delicious and Easy Almond Cookies Recipe
When it comes to making cookies, there’s nothing quite like the sweet and nutty flavor of almond. And if you’re in the mood for something truly special, you might want to try making amigdalota, a traditional Greek cookie that’s made with almond flour and egg whites. These soft and chewy treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just for treating yourself to a little bit of indulgence.
But why bother making your own amigdalota when you can just buy them at the store? For one thing, homemade cookies are always fresher and more flavorful than store-bought varieties. When you make amigdalota from scratch, you can control the ingredients to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality, delicious treat that’s free from preservatives and artificial flavors.
Plus, making amigdalota is a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking simple ingredients like sugar, eggs, and almond flour, and turning them into mouthwatering cookies that everyone will love.
So if you’re ready to experience the joy of baking your own delicious amigdalota almond cookies, then let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of sweet treats that leave you feeling satisfied, then you’ll definitely love these amazing almond cookies! These Amigdalota cookies are made with finely ground almond flour, which gives them a delicate and nutty flavor that is simply irresistible!
What I adore about this recipe is that it’s a traditional Greek recipe for almond cookies, known as Amigdalota. This means they are packed with history and tradition, making them not just any ordinary cookie but a cultural delicacy. If you’re looking to switch up your cookie game and try something new and exciting, then these Greek almond biscuits are an excellent option.
These cookies are deliciously soft, chewy, and the perfect balance between sweetness and richness. The use of almond extract adds an extra layer of flavor that brings out the beautiful taste of natural almonds. What makes Amigdalota cookies even more special is their velvety outer surface coated in icing sugar with sliced almonds sprinkled on top.
Last but not least, these cookies are gluten-smart! Using almond flour and almond meal in baking tends to work wonders in producing treats that are friendly to people who need to avoid gluten. They can also be enjoyed by anyone who is looking for a nutritious dessert or snack option that doesn’t involve wheat flour.
So get ready to indulge in the tantalizing taste of energy-packed Almond Cookies Amygdalota!
Ingredient List
- Finely ground blanched almond flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon)
- Large egg whites (4)
- Pinch of salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon)
- Orange blossom water (2 teaspoons)
- Icing sugar (3 cups) for coating
- Slivered or sliced blanched almonds for topping
These traditional Greek almond cookies are a perfect sweet treat that will simply melt in your mouth. They are soft, chewy and absolutely delicious, and can be made with simple pantry staples. In this recipe, we’ll use almond flour which is made from finely ground blanched almonds. It adds amazing flavor and nutty aroma to these cookies whilst keeping them gluten-smart. The other ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, salt, almond extract, and orange blossom water all work together to give the Amigdalota Almond Cookies a sweet Greek macaroon-like taste. Icing sugar is used to coat the cookies while slivered or sliced blanched almonds are used for topping as a finishing touch.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Process the Almonds in a Food Processor
Take 3 cups of blanched almonds and process them in a food processor until they are finely ground. Be careful not to over-process or it may turn into almond paste!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of almond flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well and set aside.
Step 4: Beat Egg Whites and Sugar
In another bowl, beat 4 egg whites with a mixer until they start to form stiff peaks. Continue beating while slowly adding in 3/4 cup granulated sugar, keeping the mixer on high speed until the egg whites are glossy and stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Add Flavors and Fold
Add 2 teaspoons of orange blossom water, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the egg white mixture. Gently fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula, making sure that everything is well-combined.
Step 6: Form Cookies out of Batter
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly and top each cookie with a few sliced almonds.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on top and firm on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Allow your amigdalota almond cookies to cool down for at least 15 minutes before serving. This recipe makes about 30-32 cookies, so there will be plenty for sharing! Enjoy your delicious homemade Greek almond cookies!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, you can make some substitutions and variations to personalize it and adjust it to your taste. To start, if you are looking for a gluten-free version of these delicious Greek almond cookies, you can use almond flour or almond meal instead of wheat flour. You will get the same nutty flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
If you want a more traditional recipe, try using almond paste instead of blanched almonds for a denser cookie with an even more intense almond flavor. You can reduce or omit the sugar to get healthier cookies or replace it with other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
Instead of orange blossom water and almond extract, you can use other flavors like rosewater or vanilla extract to add a fragrant touch to your cookies. Some bakers like to add lemon zest or juice for a tangy twist.
You can also vary the shape and presentation of your amigdalota by rolling them into balls, flattening them slightly with the palm of your hand, or pressing them onto a baking sheet with the tines of a fork. You can coat them with sliced almonds or icing sugar before baking for an extra crunchy topping.
Whatever variation or substitution you choose, remember that the key to making great amigdalota is to use fresh ingredients, finely ground almonds, and egg whites beaten until stiff peaks form. With these tips in mind, you can make delicious sweet Greek macaroons that will delight your friends and family.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your delicious amigdalota almond cookies are ready to be served, let’s talk about some pairing options. These cookies have a sweet and nutty flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The outside is soft and chewy while the inside has a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
For an extra dose of indulgence, you can even dip each cookie in melted chocolate or dust them with icing sugar before serving. They also taste amazing when accompanied by fresh berries or fruit slices like pears and oranges.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, try pairing these cookies with a glass of chilled Greek ouzo or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. The subtle almond flavor makes these cookies the perfect ending to any Greek-inspired dinner party or gathering.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these amigdalota almond cookies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth cravings. So go ahead and indulge in these delicious treats!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The thought of having a fresh batch of Amigdalota almond cookies at hand at all times is enough to make anyone’s sweet tooth sing. While these cookies are best served fresh out of the oven, you can still enjoy them even days later with the right storage and reheating techniques.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the dough in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days until you’re ready to bake them. When baking, keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly from the original recipe, so keep an eye on them for signs of being done.
If you’d like to store your already prepared Amigdalota almond cookies, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 1 week when placed in a covered container or plastic bag. The key here is to make sure that they’re kept at room temperature in a dry place, away from any dampness or moisture.
Reheating these cookies will bring life back into their outside soft chewy texture. To reheat Almond cookies made with almond flour, simply put them in a preheated oven at 350°F for only 1-2 minutes. This will warm them up while keeping their crunchy exterior intact. Be careful not to overheat them as this may cause them to become too hard and unpleasant.
By following these simple Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating tips, you can enjoy freshly baked sweet Greek macaroons like an expert in every situation!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have learned how to make the perfect Amigdalota Almond Cookies, it’s time to focus on making them even better! Here are some tips and recommendations that I, as a baker, would like to share with you to achieve the best results possible.
Firstly, be sure to use finely ground almond flour. This will ensure that the texture of your cookies turns out perfectly. If your almond flour isn’t fine enough, your cookies will have a grainy texture which may not be very pleasant.
Secondly, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before using them. Using cold egg whites can cause the cookie dough to become too thick and difficult to work with.
Thirdly, measure your ingredients properly. Baking is science so it’s important to be precise in measuring ingredients. Using too much or too little flour, sugar or egg whites can drastically affect the texture and outcome of your cookies.
Fourthly, when adding the blanched almonds to the food processor for grinding, pulse until the almonds are finely chopped rather than ground into a powder. This will give your cookies a bit of crunch and texture.
Lastly, don’t overbake your cookies! These cookies are best when they are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crunchy outside. To achieve this perfect texture, bake for only 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
By following these tips and recommendations above carefully, you will surely get the best-tasting Amigdalota Almond Cookies possible!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section. I hope I have covered everything you need to know about making these delicious amigdalota almond cookies. However, if you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help you. Here are some common questions and answers to help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Where did Amygdalota originate?
Monemvasia is famous for its delectable desserts, and one of the most popular among them is Amygdalota. These sweet treats made from almonds have been a beloved tradition in the city for over 200 years, alongside its renowned Castle.
What are Chinese almond cookies made of?
For this recipe, it’s important to use almond flour instead of almond meal since the latter is more coarsely ground. You’ll also need unsalted butter, kosher salt, eggs, almond extract, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Almond extract in particular is a game-changer for its incredible flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the final product.
How many calories are in a Greek almond cookie?
The recipe for Petits Grecs Kourabies is a delightful concoction of Greek shortbread almond cookies with a hint of vanilla flavor. Each piece of this delectable goodness consists of 6 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 92 calories. With a total of 9 grams of carbs and 8 grams of net carbs, these cookies are the perfect snack for cookie enthusiasts who love their flavors and nutritional value.
What is Ergolavi?
If you’re a fan of macaroons, you’ll love ‘Ergolavi’, a delicious Greek cookie made with almonds. These traditional treats are a breeze to bake and have a delightful crunch on the outside, while being soft and chewy in the middle with an unforgettable almond flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and unique cookie recipe, then the Amigdalota Almond Cookies Recipe is definitely worth trying. With its soft chewy texture and nutty almond flavor, these cookies are sure to impress your taste buds.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as an everyday treat, this recipe is easy to follow and can be customized based on your preferences. From using different types of almond flour to adding in your favorite toppings, the possibilities are endless.
So why not give this recipe a try? You might just discover your new favorite cookie!
Amigdalota - Almond Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 7 cups ground almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
- In a bowl combine eggs, 2 cups of sugar and almond extract and mix for 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in the ground almonds. The mixture will be quite moist and sticky.
- Shape into round balls (1 1/2” in diameter).
- Place the remaining cup of sugar on a separate plate and roll the balls in the sugar.
- Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper and place cookies on the baking tray.
- Place one whole almond on top of cookie and press gently.
- Bake for 12 minutes at 275 degrees F.
- Allow to cool and place in an airtight container as the cookies should remain chewy and not dry and crunchy.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.