Ricciarelli Almond Biscuits

Ricciarelli Almond Biscuits are a delightful treat with roots in Tuscany, Italy. These soft almond-flavored cookies boast a chewy texture on the inside and a lightly crisp exterior. The infusion of orange zest and almond extract elevates their flavor, making them perfect for any occasion—whether you are enjoying them with coffee, tea, or as a standalone dessert. Let’s dive into the details of crafting these scrumptious biscuits at home!

Ingredients

• 200 g almond flour (about 2 cups)
• 200 g powdered sugar (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 2 g salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• 2 g baking powder (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• 2 large egg whites
• Zest of one organic orange
• 15 ml almond extract (about 1 tablespoon)
• 5 ml vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon)
• 50 g granulated sugar (for coating, about 1/4 cup)
• 50 g powdered sugar (for coating, about 1/2 cup)

Directions

1. Preparation: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give your biscuits that lovely airy texture.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the almond mixture into the egg whites in three additions, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
5. Add Zesty Flavors: Stir in the orange zest, almond extract, and vanilla extract into the combined mixture for a refreshing kick.
6. Shape the Biscuits: Form the dough into oval shapes, rolling them first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to create that beautiful coating.
7. Let Rest: Allow the shaped biscuits to rest for one hour. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 150°C (approximately 300°F). Bake the biscuits for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: Approximately 20 biscuits
Nutrition Info: Each biscuit contains around 80 calories with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

How to Serve

Ricciarelli Almond Biscuits can be served in various ways. Enjoy them with a hot cup of espresso or tea for an afternoon treat. They can also be a charming addition to a dessert platter at gatherings or festive occasions. For an extra touch, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato. These biscuits also store well in an airtight container, maintaining their delightful texture for days.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
A1: For authentic Ricciarelli, almond flour is essential as it provides the unique flavor and texture. Regular flour will drastically change the outcome.

Q2: How should I store Ricciarelli Almond Biscuits?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For best results, avoid refrigeration, which can alter their texture.

Q3: Can I substitute the almond extract?
A3: While almond extract enhances the flavor, you can substitute it with hazelnut extract or simply use additional vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Ricciarelli Almond Biscuits

Soft, chewy Italian almond biscuits with a lightly crisp exterior, infused with orange zest and almond extract—perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 20 biscuits

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 80

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the biscuits

• 200 g almond flour about 2 cups
• 200 g powdered sugar about 1 3/4 cups
• 2 g salt about 1/2 teaspoon
• 2 g baking powder about 1/2 teaspoon
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 zest organic orange
• 15 ml almond extract about 1 tablespoon
• 5 ml vanilla extract about 1 teaspoon
• 50 g granulated sugar for coating, about 1/4 cup
• 50 g powdered sugar for coating, about 1/2 cup

Method

 

Preparation

1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a bowl, sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Whip Egg Whites

1. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Combine Mixtures

1. Gently fold the almond mixture into the egg whites in three additions, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.

Add Zesty Flavors

1. Stir in the orange zest, almond extract, and vanilla extract into the combined mixture.

Shape the Biscuits

1. Form the dough into oval shapes, rolling them first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.

Let Rest

1. Allow the shaped biscuits to rest for one hour.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (approximately 300°F). Bake the biscuits for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Notes

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can be served with a hot cup of espresso or tea, or as part of a dessert platter.