Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies) Recipe

There’s something absolutely enchanting about Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies). Imagine biting into a chewy and slightly crunchy cookie that’s bursting with the delightful flavour of almonds…ah, pure bliss! This Tuscan delicacy is a must-have on special occasions, especially during Christmas holiday season, however truth be told, any day can be jazzed up with these bite-size wonders!

Why are Ricciarelli so irresistible? Maybe it’s the unique combination of almond meal and sugar that gives you a taste of Tuscany in every bite. Or perhaps, it’s the fun in making them at home, with an aroma that wafts through your kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water. You’ll love the whole experince, I guarantee!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Yield: 2 dozen cookies

Well, let’s roll up our sleeves and fire up that oven. Ricciarelli cookies, here we come!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Equipment:

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl

The almond flour is the foundation of our Ricciarelli. It adds that signature nutty taste and texture. The orange zest brings in a fresh citrus touch. As for substitutes, you can use granulated sugar instead of caster sugar, but be ready for a slightly grainier texture.

How To Make Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies)

1. Start by preheating your oven to 180��C (356��F) and lining your baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and sugar. In a separate bowl, whip your egg whites until soft peaks form. Incorporate these gently into the flour mixture. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest to the mix.
3. Shape the mixture into oval-shaped disks and place them onto your lined baking tray. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Allow to cool before serving. Buon appetito!

Tips For The Best Results

• Use high quality almond meal for rich flavor.
• Don’t overbeat the egg whites, just until soft peaks form.
• The dough might feel sticky, but that’s okay. These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy.

Storage Tips

• You can store the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
• The unbaked dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
A: Absolutely! Almond extract will intensify the almond flavor of these cookies.

Q: Can I skip the orange zest?
A: You can, but the orange zest adds a fresh zing to the cookies. You might miss that.

Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, Ricciarelli are naturally gluten free.

Q: Why are my cookies dry and crumbly?
A: You may have overbaked them. These cookies are done when they turn lightly golden.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts of Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies)

Each serving of Ricciarelli contains:

• Calories: 80kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 2g

In conclusion, Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies) are an absolute delight. They’re chewy, nutty, and full of flavor. Serve them with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine for a true Italian experience. Enjoy!