Almond Cookie Dough Recipe : Sweet, Fragrant, and Oh-So-Satisfying!

The recipe for my Almond Cookie Dough is a real winner – I use it for both cookies and traditional almond pastries, and they turn out beautifully every time. Making the perfect dough for homemade treats like these is a bit of an art, but I promise it’s something anyone can master with a few insider tips and top-notch ingredients.

In Italy, almond pastries are right up there with biscotti and ladyfingers as classic sweets. People love them for their soft texture, rich flavor, and that unmistakable almond scent. They’re great for any occasion, and the best part? You can prep the dough ahead of time, so you’ve always got something special ready to pop in the oven when the mood strikes.

Ingredients :

• 250 g (2 ½ cups) almond flour
• 170 g (1 ½ cups) powdered sugar
• 2 small egg whites
• Zest of half a lemon (grated)
• Whole almonds (for decorating, as needed)
• Candied cherries (for decorating, as needed)

How to make Almond Cookie Dough Recipe:

1. Sieve the flour: Always sift the flour to avoid lumps and to obtain an even dough.
2. Stir the butter and sugar until creamy: This helps to incorporate air and makes the cookies fluffier.
3. Add the eggs one at a time: Add the eggs one at a time and stir well to get an even batter.
4. Slowly incorporate the flour: Fold in the flour a little at a time to avoid creating too much gluten and making the cookies too hard.
5. Leave the dough to rest: Leave the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – this improves the texture and taste of the cookies.

Prepare the dough:

1. Mix the almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl.
2. Add lightly beaten egg whites, honey, lemon zest (if using) and vanilla or almond extract.
3. Mix with a spatula to form a soft, even dough.
4. If the dough is too sticky, leave it to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Shape the almond cookies

1. With hands lightly dusted with powdered sugar, shape small portions of the dough (approx. 20 g) into balls or small rings.
2. Roll the balls in powdered sugar and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Baking :

1. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) (top/bottom heat) for 12-15 minutes until the surface is lightly golden brown but the inside is still soft.
2. Allow to cool completely before handling – they are very fragile straight from the oven.

Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!