Recipe

Amygdalotá - Greek Almond Cookies

Divine Delights: Greek Almond Cookies - A Taste of Mediterranean Bliss

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of Greece with Amygdalotá, traditional Greek almond cookies. These delicate treats are a staple in Greek cuisine, known for their irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Dessert› Cookie› Amygdalotá

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

12-15 minutes

Total time

32-35 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 24 cookies

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free ground almonds), Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, Mediterranean diet-friendly

Allergens

Almonds, Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan (due to the use of egg whites), Nut-free (contains ground almonds)

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large egg whites 3 large egg whites
1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 9g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
4.
Add the whisked egg whites and almond extract to the almond mixture. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
5.
Take small portions of the dough and shape them into crescents or rounds.
6.
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
8.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
9.
Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar.
10.
Serve and enjoy these delightful Greek almond cookies!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground almonds — Ensure that the ground almonds are finely ground for a smoother texture in the cookies.
Almond extract — Use a high-quality almond extract to enhance the almond flavor in the cookies.
Lemon and orange zest — Grate the zest directly from the fruits using a fine grater to capture the aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

For a variation, you can dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
These cookies make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative box or tin.
Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lime or grapefruit, to add a unique twist to the flavor.
If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the powdered sugar used for dusting.

Serving advice

Serve Amygdalotá alongside a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine for a truly authentic Greek experience. These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Amygdalotá on a beautiful platter, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of citrus zest for an elegant touch. The crescent-shaped cookies can be arranged in a circular pattern to create a visually appealing display.