Ricciarelli (Tuscan Almond Cookies) Recipe

Hand a pastry chef almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, and you'll likely be able to work out where he is from by what he bakes. In France, you might end up with a plate of perfectly domed macarons; in Siena, Italy, you'd likely be served ricciarelli. These oval-shaped almond cookies are thought to have been developed in the 14th century in the Tuscan region of Italy, and at the time were reserved for only the most wealthy to consume at the finest banquets; almond paste was so precious and costly that it was sold only at apothecaries along with the most expensive spices.

Thankfully, almond-based produce is far more accessible these days, allowing us all to bake and enjoy these delicious Italian cookies ourselves without breaking the bank. Soft, sweet cookies made with almond flour and rolled in confectioner's sugar before baking, you will be able to recognize a ricciarello by its characteristic cracks dramatically streaked across its powder-coated surface. This recipe, developed by Jennine Rye, infuses orange with the classic almond flavor of the dessert to create a delectable sweet treat.

To make these ricciarelli, first you will need to gather the ingredients. You will require almond flour, confectioners sugar, flour, orange zest, almond flavoring, and egg whites. These ricciarelli can easily be made gluten-free by either replacing the spoonful of plain flour with more almond flour, or with a replacement gluten-free baking flour. 

To prepare the dough for these orange and almond ricciarelli, first you will want to combine the almond flour, the confectioner's sugar, the flour, orange zest, and almond extract in a medium-sized bowl. Use a balloon whisk to make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Then, using a stand mixer or handheld electric whisk, beat the egg whites in a clean, oil-free bowl, until they form stiff peaks. Then, simply fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until a dough has formed. Cover the dough and place it to one side for at least 2 hours, preferably a day. Traditionally, these cookies were left for up to two days before baking.

Once the dough has sat and rested, allowing the delicious almond and orange flavors to develop, it is time to bake the cookies. Prepare a baking tray and add confectioner's sugar to a bowl. Then, roll the dough into a log shape and cut evenly-sized cookies from the log. Shape them into the classic oval shape of the ricciarello if you choose, and then place them into the bowl containing the confectioner's sugar and make sure they are throughly coated.

Place the formed cookies onto the prepared baking tray and bake them in the oven until cracks form on the surface; this should only take about 12 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven at this point and allow them to cool.

The cookies will be exceptionally soft when they first come out from the oven but will harden a little as they cool. Allow them to cool completely before serving them, and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Rye points out that these orange and almond-flavored ricciarelli are a wonderful sweet treat option to offer guests and also make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Traditionally served with dessert wine, those who avoid alcohol will be glad to hear that they pair equally well with coffee and tea.