White Almond Holiday Cookies ° Italian Baking Made Easy

Add a touch of Italian charm to your holiday baking with these delightful White Almond Christmas Cookies! These sweet, festive treats are a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. 

Made with finely ground almonds, a hint of citrus, and a delicate dusting of sugar, they’re irresistibly delicious and beautifully simple to make!

Ingredients

• 4 cups white almond flour (blanched almond flour)
• 2 eggs
• 1¼ cup sugar (plus 2 oz for dipping/rolling)
• Juice of 1 lemon (¾ for the dough, the rest for food coloring and rolling)
• Food coloring (mixed with lemon juice, in your choice of colors)
• White almond slices (optional, for topping each cookie)

---

Directions

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, eggs, sugar, and ¾ of the lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
   
   
2. Knead the Dough:
   Switch to using your hands to knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Knead for about 2–3 minutes to ensure the dough comes together fully. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to relax.
   
   
3. Portion and Shape:
   Divide the dough into even portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
   
   
4. Add Color:
   For a festive touch, prepare three small bowls, each with a little lemon juice. Add food coloring to each bowl, mixing well. Dip each dough ball into the colored lemon juice, then roll it in sugar.
• Pro Tip: Prefer simplicity? Skip the coloring and roll the balls directly in sugar.
  
  
5. Decorate:
   Place each sugar-coated ball into small fluted baking cups for a decorative presentation. If desired, top each cookie with a slice of white almond for added elegance and texture.
   
   
6. Bake:
   Arrange the cookies in their fluted cups on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 13 minutes.

These festive, citrusy almond cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or adding to your holiday dessert spread. Enjoy the season with every bite! 🎄✨

Watch Nonna Make White Almond Holiday Cookies!

Tips to Enhance your White Almond Holiday Cookie Baking Experience!

1. Use Fine Almond Flour:
   For the best texture, use blanched almond flour, which is finely ground and made from peeled almonds. Avoid almond meal, as it’s coarser and may alter the cookie's consistency.
   
   
2. Balance the Lemon Juice:
   Be precise when measuring the lemon juice for the dough. Too much can make the dough sticky and difficult to shape. Use only ¾ of the lemon juice for the dough and reserve the rest for coloring and rolling.
   
   
3. Don’t Skip the Kneading Time:
   Kneading the dough for 2–3 minutes is essential to bring the ingredients together and achieve a smooth consistency. The resting period afterward allows the dough to relax, making it easier to handle.
   
   
4. Roll Evenly:
   For uniform baking, ensure the dough balls are of similar size. You can use a cookie scoop or weigh portions to keep them consistent.
   
   
5. Prevent Over-Coloring:
   When dipping the cookies in the colored lemon juice, a quick dip is sufficient. Over-soaking can make the cookies overly wet, affecting their texture and bake time.
   
   
6. Use Fluted Baking Cups Properly:
   Place the fluted baking cups directly on the baking sheet before adding the coated dough balls. The cups help maintain the cookie’s shape and give them a polished, decorative look.

These tips will ensure your cookies turn out beautifully festive and delicious every time! 🎄✨

Did you Know?

Gluten-Free Holiday Treat:
These White Almond Holiday Cookies are naturally gluten-free thanks to the use of almond flour, making them a festive and inclusive option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

Inspired by Italian Holiday Traditions:
Almond-based cookies are a staple in Italian holiday baking, with their roots tracing back to regional specialties like amaretti. The use of citrus, such as lemon, is a nod to Italy’s love for incorporating bright, zesty flavors in desserts.

Other Recipes you Might Like!