Ricciarelli – Traditional Italian Almond Cookies

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 0

Traditional Italian Almond Cookies - a Sweet and Nutty Treat

Ricciarelli – Traditional Italian Almond Cookies

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

12-16

Calories

235

Sugar

17g

Fat

14g

Ricciarelli is a traditional Italian Christmas cookie from the Tuscan town of Siena. This gluten-free cookie is made with ground almonds and almond paste, which results in a crumbly texture and nutty flavor. The recipe likely originated in the Middle East and was brought to Italy by crusaders returning from the East. Today, ricciarelli is a popular cookie throughout Italy and is enjoyed year-round. Dust them with icing sugar and savor with a cup of coffee or sweet dessert wine.

Instructions

1.	Preheat your oven to 325 F or 160 C.
2.	Break the blanched almonds into small pieces and roast them lightly in a dry preheated pan.
3.	Combine the roasted almonds, almond paste, egg white, baking powder, almond extract, and orange zest (if using) in a large bowl.
4.	Mix the ingredients until they form a smooth dough.
5.	Flour a flat surface and divide the dough into pieces of equal size.
6.	Shape the dough into crescent shapes and place them on a baking tray.
7.	Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
8.	Allow them to cool and dust with icing sugar before serving.

PROS

Ricciarelli cookies are a tasty gluten-free dessert that is easy to make with just a few ingredients.

They are soft on the inside with a light crunch on the outside and pack a punch of sweet and nutty flavors.

CONS

Almond paste can be expensive, and this recipe can come out too sweet for some.

The cookies can also be quite fragile, so care is needed while serving them.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber that can help lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
They are also rich in vitamin E and magnesium, which support healthy brain function and bone health.

	1 cup blanched almond
	1 3/4 cups almond paste
	1 egg white
	1/2 teaspoon baking powder
	1 teaspoon almond extract
	2 tablespoons grated orange zest ( optional )
	icing sugar , for dusting