These Almond Cocoa Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional crinkle cookies, made with almond flour and flavored with a touch of almond extract for an irresistible nutty taste. With a light dusting of powdered sugar, they create a beautiful crinkle effect when baked. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and filled with the rich, deep flavors of cocoa and almond. These cookies make a perfect treat to serve during the holiday season, at tea time, or anytime you crave a sweet snack with a nutty twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• Egg yolk: 1 large
• Egg white: 1 large
• Salt: a pinch
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
• Cocoa powder: 1 tablespoon
• Almond extract: 1 tablespoon
• Almond flour: 1 3/4 cups (200 g)
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

For Coating and Garnish:

• Powdered sugar: for coating
• Whole almonds: 11 pieces (one for each cookie)

Steps to Make Almond Cocoa Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Whisk Egg Whites
   In a clean, dry bowl, separate one large egg white and whisk it with a pinch of salt until frothy. This helps create a light, airy texture in the cookies.
2. Combine Sugar and Egg Yolk
   In another bowl, add the egg yolk and granulated sugar. Mix until well blended and smooth.
3. Add Cocoa and Almond Extract
   Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of almond extract to the egg yolk mixture. Mix until the cocoa is fully incorporated and you achieve a rich brown color and a fragrant almond aroma.
4. Combine with Almond Flour and Baking Powder
   Add the almond flour and baking powder to the mixture, folding it in gently until all ingredients are well combined. The dough should be slightly thick but pliable.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Form Dough Balls
   Take about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Repeat until you have approximately 11 dough balls.
2. Coat with Powdered Sugar
   Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl and roll each dough ball in the sugar, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. The powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect during baking.
3. Add Almond Garnish
   Press a whole almond gently into the center of each dough ball for an added touch of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange and Bake
   Place each dough ball onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them for slight expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should have a cracked, crinkle appearance on top with a soft, chewy center.
2. Cool
   Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate for 1 Cookie)

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fats: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Q2: Can I substitute the almond extract?
If you prefer a different flavor, vanilla extract is a great substitute. However, almond extract enhances the almond flour’s flavor and complements the cocoa.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, see tips below.

Q4: Can I make this recipe with regular flour?
You can substitute almond flour with regular all-purpose flour, but the texture will be less dense and more cake-like.

Tips for Making the Perfect Almond Cocoa Crinkle Cookies

1. Use Fresh Almond Flour
   Fresh almond flour gives a better flavor and texture to these cookies. Almond flour tends to absorb moisture, so using it fresh will help keep the cookies soft.
2. Egg White Froth for Texture
   Whipping the egg white with a pinch of salt until frothy can make a noticeable difference in the final texture, adding a touch of lightness.
3. Coat Generously with Powdered Sugar
   Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating; it’s essential for the beautiful crinkle effect on top of the cookies.
4. Almond Garnish for Presentation and Flavor
   Adding a whole almond to each cookie adds flavor and a nice visual appeal, but feel free to skip this if you prefer a simpler look.
5. Cool Before Serving
   These cookies may seem soft immediately after baking but will firm up as they cool. Allow them to cool completely to enjoy the best texture.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Conclusion

Almond Cocoa Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic addition to any cookie platter or a delightful standalone treat. Their nutty flavor and soft, fudgy texture make them irresistible, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful, unique look. These cookies are simple to make but offer a sophisticated flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite! Enjoy the rich flavors of almond and chocolate in every bite.