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Italian crunchy almond cookies

Italian Crunchy Almond Cookies: A Delightful Holiday Treat

Italian crunchy almond cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a unique crunch from almonds, cozy warmth from cinnamon, and a hint of zesty orange.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Raw Almonds Feel free to substitute with walnuts or pecans.
  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour Can swap with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Consider maple syrup as a natural alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh for optimal results.
  • 1 quarter cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed cocoa lends a smoother taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon Can replace with nutmeg or ginger for a different kick.
  • 1 tablespoon Organic Orange Zest Lemon zest can be used for a fresh twist.
  • 1 cup Fresh Hot Coffee Decaffeinated coffee or hot cocoa can be alternatives.
  • 1 quarter cup Milk (Dairy or Plant-based) It's optional.
  • powdered sugar Powdered Sugar For dusting finished cookies.

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to toast the raw almonds. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Once done, let them cool slightly, then finely chop.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure an even distribution. Fold in the chopped almonds and organic orange zest.
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture, then pour in the fresh hot coffee and milk. Mix gently until a firm, non-sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more coffee or milk gradually.
  4. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each part into a log approximately 10 inches long and flatten them slightly. Cut the logs diagonally into 1-1¼ inch pieces.
  5. Arrange the pieces on a lined baking sheet with at least ½ inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are set and dry to the touch but still soft in the center.
  6. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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