Biscotti alle mandorle: Italian Almond Cookies Recipe
When it comes to indulging in delightful treats, Italian Almond Cookies, also known as Biscotti alle Mandorle, stand out as a delectable choice. These cookies, deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions, not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also add a touch of sophistication to your dessert repertoire.
Crafting these almond-infused delights is an art that combines simplicity with exquisite flavor. The key to achieving that perfect balance lies in the quality of ingredients and the meticulous preparation process.
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the essentials: almonds, sugar, flour, and eggs. Begin by finely grinding the almonds, ensuring they contribute a rich, nutty essence to the cookie dough. As you blend the ingredients together, the kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of almonds.
The magic happens during the baking process. The cookie dough is carefully shaped into traditional forms, creating a visual appeal that mirrors the authentic Italian touch. The oven transforms these raw elements into golden-brown masterpieces, captivating both the eyes and taste buds.
What sets these almond cookies apart is their versatility. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of espresso during a midday break or presenting them at a social gathering, their charm remains unmatched. The subtle sweetness and almond crunch offer a delightful contrast, making each bite a sensorial experience.
From a personal branding perspective, sharing these homemade Italian Almond Cookies can be a unique way to showcase your culinary prowess. Consider documenting the baking process on social media platforms, connecting with your audience through the universal language of delicious food. Your journey in mastering this recipe can be a testament to your dedication to excellence, both in and out of the kitchen.
As you savor the flavors of Biscotti alle Mandorle, remember that each bite encapsulates a tradition that has stood the test of time. Elevate your personal brand by incorporating these delightful Italian treats into your culinary repertoire, leaving a lasting impression on those who have the pleasure of indulging in your creations.
When it comes to utilizing dried fruits, my absolute favorite method is incorporating them into delightful cookie recipes, especially when paired with the exquisite taste of almonds. Almond flour, with its versatile nature, proves to be an excellent choice for crafting an array of cookies, tarts, and cakes – a culinary indulgence that I genuinely adore!
These cookies boast not only a delectable taste but also a swift and straightforward preparation process, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a quick baking adventure.
While it’s worth noting that these cookies have a limited shelf life of two to three days when stored in an airtight container, the ephemeral nature becomes a non-issue. Why? Because, in reality, these delectable treats tend to vanish from the container much sooner than anticipated!
Indulge in the experience and witness the magic of these almond-infused delights – a testament to the fusion of simplicity, speed, and sensational flavor!
- Serves: 10 People
- Prep Time: 30min
- Cooking: 30hr
- Difficulties: supereasy
Ingredients
For Cooking
- 2Cups Almond flour
- 2Cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar
- 1/2Tablespoons Orange zest, no white bitter pith
- 2Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1/8Tablespoons Baking powder
- 2Pcs Large egg whites
- 1/8Teaspoon Salt
- 1Teaspoon Almond extract
For Dressing
Nutritional Information
Procedure
Begin by gently placing almond flour into a generously sized mixing bowl capable of accommodating all the forthcoming ingredients.
Once you’ve accurately measured the powdered sugar, delicately sift it before incorporating it into the almond flour. Add in the invigorating essence of orange zest, the finesse of cornstarch, and the leavening touch of baking powder. Stir this aromatic medley together, creating a harmonious blend.
In a separate bowl, commence the aeration process by whipping the egg whites until they reach a state of firm peaks, resembling clouds of culinary excellence. Integrate this cloud-like concoction into the amalgamation of dry ingredients, introducing a dash of salt for balance and the essence of almond extract for a subtle yet captivating flavor. Employ a spatula to gently fold these elements, resulting in a mixture that possesses a dense and sturdy consistency, eschewing the ethereal qualities of a meringue.
On a baking sheet lined with plastic food wrap, artfully spread or press the amalgamated mixture into a rectangular form measuring 5 inches by 12 inches (13 cm by 30 cm). To prevent adherence, liberally dust the surface with powdered sugar. Subsequently, allow the creation to undergo a transformative freeze, granting it at least an hour, or perhaps the luxury of an overnight hiatus.
Once the frozen dough achieves the desired solidity, meticulously slice it lengthwise into five equal strips using a sharp knife. Then, with precision, cut these strips at a 45-degree angle, crafting delicate diamond-shaped treasures. To enhance their visual appeal and add a touch of sweetness, dip the surfaces of these diamonds into powdered sugar before adorning a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
For those who wish to preserve a portion of this culinary masterpiece for future indulgence, some of the dough can be judiciously frozen for a later bake-off. When ready to savor, preheat the oven to 350°F and allow these gems to bake until they acquire a captivating pale golden hue, typically around 17 minutes. Following their oven adventure, gracefully transfer them to a wire rack, providing the perfect environment for them to cool and solidify their allure.
Finally, to maintain their freshness and flavor, store these delectable creations within an air-tight container, preserving the essence of your culinary craftsmanship for moments of pure indulgence.
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1Mark As Complete
Place the almond flour in a sufficiently large bowl to accommodate all of the ingredients.
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2Mark As Complete
After measuring the powdered sugar, sift it and add it to the almond flour, along with the orange zest, cornstarch, and baking powder. Stir the mixture to combine.
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3Mark As Complete
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they form firm peaks.
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4Mark As Complete
Add the whipped egg whites to the dry ingredients, along with the salt and almond extract. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula.
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5Mark As Complete
The resulting mixture will be dense and firm, rather than light and airy like a meringue.
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6Mark As Complete
Line a baking sheet with plastic food wrap and spread or press the mixture onto it, forming a rectangular piece measuring 5 inches by 12 inches (13 cm by 30 cm).
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7Mark As Complete
To prevent sticking, dust the surface with powdered sugar.
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8Mark As Complete
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one hour or overnight.
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9Mark As Complete
Using a sharp knife, cut the frozen dough lengthwise into 5 equal-sized strips.
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10Mark As Complete
Then, cut the strips at a 45-degree angle to create diamond-shaped pieces.
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11Mark As Complete
Dip the surface of each “diamond” in powdered sugar and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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12Mark As Complete
If desired, you can freeze a portion of the dough for future baking.
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13Mark As Complete
Bake the “diamonds” at 350°F until they turn a pale golden color, which should take approximately 17 minutes.
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14Mark As Complete
Transfer the baked to a wire rack to cool.
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15Mark As Complete
Store the cooled Cookies in an airtight container.
Marcella Capon, a passionate Italian food blogger, brings the flavors of Italy to life through her blog. With a rich culinary heritage and a knack for creative recipes, she transports her readers to the heart of Italian cuisine. Marcella's delectable dishes and engaging storytelling have made her a trusted source for authentic Italian recipes and culinary inspiration worldwide. Follow her for a taste of Italy's culinary magic.
