These Soft Almond and Orange Cookies are light, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Made with almond flour, orange zest, and egg whites, they’re naturally gluten-free and perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 cookies
Ingredients
- Almond flour: 2 cups (200g)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100g)
- Salt: A pinch (⅛ tsp.)
- Orange zest: From half an orange
- Almond extract (optional): A few drops
- Orange juice: 2 tablespoons (from half an orange)
- Egg whites: 2 large
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and a few drops of almond extract (if using) to the mixture.
- Lightly beat the egg whites until frothy, then add them to the bowl.
- Stir everything together until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Roll into small balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- If desired, gently press down with your fingers to slightly flatten.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill for 15 minutes before rolling.
- For extra texture, roll cookies in powdered sugar before baking.
- Don’t overbake! These cookies should remain soft in the center.
Nutritional Benefits
- Almond flour is gluten-free and rich in healthy fats.
- Egg whites provide protein and structure to the cookies.
- Orange zest adds antioxidants and natural citrus flavor.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Vegetarian
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy, and full of orange flavor.
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for snacking or holiday gifting.
Conclusion
These Soft Almond and Orange Cookies are a delightful combination of nutty almond flour, bright citrus zest, and natural sweetness. Easy to make, delicious, and healthy, they’re the perfect guilt-free indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour? Yes, but the texture will be slightly coarser.
- How do I make these sugar-free? Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
- Can I substitute the orange juice? Yes, lemon juice works as well.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking.
- Can I add nuts or dried fruit? Yes! Add chopped almonds, pistachios, or dried cranberries for variety.
- Why are my cookies dry? They may have been overbaked—reduce baking time slightly.
- Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites? No, egg whites help keep the cookies light and chewy.
- How do I enhance the flavor? Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.
- Are these cookies good for meal prep? Yes! They store well and can be made in advance.
- Can I use store-bought orange juice? Fresh is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.