Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies! They’re like little bites of heaven—soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of chewiness. Every time I make them, I’m transported back to a charming Italian café where the aroma of almonds fills the air. Trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of almond paste and a hint of vanilla and almond extract. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to whip up! Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to impress guests or just need a cozy snack, these cookies will hit the spot every time.
Ingredients for Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
To create these delightful Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- 1 cup almond paste: This is the star of the show, giving the cookies that rich almond flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness to balance the nutty taste of the almond.
- 2 large egg whites: These will help bind everything together and add a lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Just a little extra almond goodness!
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: A small amount to give the cookies structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: To enhance all those amazing flavors.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: This adds a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to bake up a storm!
How to Prepare Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love the process. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
- Mix the almond paste and sugar: In a large bowl, combine the almond paste and granulated sugar. You want to break up any lumps in the almond paste, so give it a good mix until it’s well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients: Next, add the egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. If it looks a bit thick, don’t worry—this is normal!
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined. You want that chewy texture, so keep it light!
- Shape the cookies: Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them, as they’ll spread a bit while baking.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers should still look a bit soft—trust me, that’s the key to chewiness!
- Cool and dust: Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add that perfect finishing touch!
And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from enjoying these delightful cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: Whip these up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for any last-minute craving.
- Soft and chewy texture: Each bite melts in your mouth with a delightful chewiness that keeps you coming back for more.
- Unique flavor: The combination of almond paste and extracts brings a rich, nutty taste that’s truly irresistible.
- Ideal for gatherings: These cookies are a hit at parties, potlucks, or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to add chocolate chips or citrus zest for a twist on the classic recipe!
Tips for Success with Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
To make sure your Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:
- Baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies! For a softer, chewier texture, pull them out right when the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for days.
- Freezing: If you want to make a big batch, freeze the dough in cookie-sized portions. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Don’t overmix: When incorporating the flour, mix just until combined to maintain that delightful chewy texture.
With these tips, you’ll be a cookie-making pro in no time!
Nutritional Information for Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
These Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies are not only delicious but also quite delightful in terms of nutrition! Each cookie is approximately 120 calories, with 10g of sugar and 2g of protein. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy responsibly!
FAQ about Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Got questions about these delightful Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste? While they’re similar, almond paste is preferred for a richer flavor. Marzipan is sweeter and may change the texture.
How should I store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay chewy for several days, but you can also freeze them for longer storage!
What’s the best way to serve these cookies? They’re fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch!
Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, or even a splash of orange zest for a fresh twist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
To keep your Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed to maintain that perfect chewy texture!
Serving Suggestions for Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies
These Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies are simply divine when paired with a steaming cup of espresso or a cozy mug of tea. The nutty flavors of the cookies complement the rich, bold notes of coffee perfectly. You can even serve them alongside fresh berries for a delightful contrast!
Print
Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies: 7 Irresistible Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies are soft, flavorful treats made with almond paste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond paste and sugar until well combined.
- Add egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust baking time for desired chewiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies