Description
These delightful gluten-free Italian Cherry Almond Cookies are packed with almond flavor, a hint of lemon, and topped with a sweet maraschino or luxardo cherry. The soft, chewy texture and delicate sweetness make them an irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ cups (252g) almond flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 small lemon, zested
- 2 egg whites (from 2 large eggs)
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 18 maraschino cherries (from 11-ounce jar) or luxardo cherries, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
- Mix the dough: Add in the egg whites and almond extract. Mix with a wooden spoon or fork until a dough forms. It’s okay if the dough is somewhat crumbly, just keep working at it until it becomes sticky enough to form balls. Roll the dough into approximately 18 dough balls.
- Coat in powdered sugar: Add powdered sugar to a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, then place them on the prepared cookie sheet, approximately 1-inch apart.
- Add the cherries: Place the drained cherries on a plate or cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel. Gently make an indentation into the center of each dough ball using your thumb. The dough may crack around the edges, but that’s okay! Place one cherry into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is slightly golden on the bottom edges. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
- You can use maraschino cherries or luxardo cherries, but make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the dough.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- For added flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian