Crispy Almond Cookies
These crispy almond cookies deliver a perfect balance of crunch and almond-rich flavor, inspired by traditional Italian holiday baking. Easy to make and ideal for festive gatherings or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (140g) whole raw almonds
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg white, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Toast the almonds: Spread almonds evenly on a separate baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant, shaking the pan halfway through. Let cool, then chop roughly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Beat softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add flavorings and egg white: Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest. Beat in the egg white until combined but not runny.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the toasted, chopped almonds carefully.
- Shape the cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each mound with the back of a spoon or dampened palm.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are set but not dry.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to crisp up.
Notes
Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning and maximize flavor. Use room temperature butter and egg whites for best texture. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent tough cookies. Flatten cookies gently before baking for even crispness. Chill dough 15 minutes if too sticky. Overbaking will make cookies too hard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 1 ou
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: almond cookies, crispy cookies, Italian holiday baking, easy cookies, almond dessert, vanilla cookies, lemon zest cookies