Italian Lemon Almond Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Burst of Flavor: A harmonious blend of citrusy lemon and rich almonds.
  • Perfect Texture: Soft, slightly chewy, and delicately crumbly.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Versatile: Great for everyday snacks, festive events, or gifting.
  • Gluten-Friendly Option: Easily adaptable to gluten-free diets by substituting the all-purpose flour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Sliced almonds, for topping
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Gently press sliced almonds on top of each cookie.
  6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  7. Dust and Serve: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Calories: About 120 per cookie

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
  • Citrus Twist: Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
  • Spiced Version: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.

2. Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Try chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pecans as a topping.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 2 months and bake them directly from frozen.

4. Do I have to use both granulated and powdered sugar?

Using both sugars provides a balance of sweetness and texture, but you can substitute one for the other if necessary.

5. Can I skip the lemon zest?

Lemon zest is essential for the bold citrus flavor, but you can reduce the amount if desired.

6. Are these cookies dairy-free?

Not as written, but you can use plant-based butter to make them dairy-free.

7. Why are my cookies too dry?

Ensure you measure your flour accurately and don’t overbake the cookies.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.

10. Can I add extracts for more flavor?

Yes, almond extract pairs beautifully with these cookies for an extra nutty taste.

Conclusion

These Italian Lemon Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that balances sweetness with tangy citrus and nutty richness. They’re simple to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and savor the irresistible combination of lemon and almond flavors!


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Italian Lemon Almond Cookies


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Italian Lemon Almond Cookies are a delightful treat combining zesty lemon and nutty almond flavors. Perfect for snacks, festive occasions, or gifting, these cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and effortlessly impressive.

 


Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free mix for GF option)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Sliced almonds (for topping)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients:
    Cream butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients:
    Whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Form the Dough:
    Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients to form a slightly sticky dough.
  • Shape the Cookies:
    Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Top each with sliced almonds.
  • Bake:
    Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Dust and Serve:
    Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free option.
  • For extra flavor, add almond extract or use orange zest instead of lemon zest.
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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