Print

Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These classic Italian cookies are soft, chewy, and delicately crisp with bold almond and citrus flavor—perfect with espresso or sweet wine.

Ingredients

250 g almond flour (finely ground almonds)

200 g powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)

1 tsp baking powder

1 large egg white (room temperature)

½ tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract (optional, for deeper aroma)

Zest of 1 orange (finely grated)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add orange zest, vanilla, and almond extract.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg white until frothy (not stiff).
Fold the egg white into the dry mixture to form a sticky dough.

Shape the Cookies:
Dust your hands with powdered sugar.
Scoop about 20 g of dough and shape into small ovals or diamonds.
Generously roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between them.

Rest (Traditional Step):
Let cookies rest uncovered at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
This step creates the signature crackly top when baked.

Bake:
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
Bake cookies for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool completely on the baking tray.

Serve:
Enjoy Ricciarelli with espresso or sweet dessert wine like vin santo.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week—the flavor improves over time.

Notes

Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and pale inside.

Fresh orange zest enhances the citrus aroma—don’t skip it!

For a festive twist, dust with cinnamon sugar in addition to powdered sugar.

Naturally gluten-free and flourless.