Quaresimali Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the almond flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. 5.
   Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
7. 7.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure you are using finely ground almond flour for the best texture in the cookies.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a small amount of almond extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve these delightful Quaresimali cookies alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or gift box.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Quaresimali cookies on a decorative serving tray and lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a few lemon zest curls for a pop of color.