Description
Ricciarelli are soft, chewy almond cookies from Siena, Italy, traditionally made with almond flour, egg whites, and powdered sugar. This version adds honey for a natural sweetness and enhanced depth of flavor, making them a perfect treat for the holidays or an elegant tea-time snack.
Ingredients
• 2 cups almond flour
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 large egg whites
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add honey, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest (if using), mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until a sticky dough forms.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to make shaping easier.
6. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Using lightly damp hands, form small oval or diamond-shaped cookies (about 1.5 inches wide).
8. Place cookies on the baking sheet and dust generously with powdered sugar.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
10. Let them cool completely before serving—they will firm up as they cool.
Notes
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For an extra festive touch, drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
• Ricciarelli pair wonderfully with espresso, Vin Santo wine, or herbal tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: ricciarelli, Italian almond cookies, honey cookies, gluten-free cookies, traditional Italian desserts