Heavenly Greek Almond Cookies (Amigdalota)
Heavenly Greek Almond Cookies (Amigdalota) are delicate, naturally gluten-free treats with a crisp exterior and soft, chewy center. Infused with fresh orange zest and rich almond flavor, these simple Mediterranean cookies are elegant, aromatic, and perfect for holidays or everyday enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups (300 g) finely ground blanched almond flour
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 large egg whites, lightly beaten and at room temperature
- 1 cup (85 g) sliced almonds (for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, orange zest, and salt. Rub zest into sugar to release oils.
- Add lightly beaten egg whites and almond extract if using. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms. If too dry, add 1 teaspoon egg white at a time.
- Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in sliced almonds, pressing gently to adhere. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet and lightly flatten tops.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until edges are lightly golden and bottoms just crisp.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use fine almond flour, not coarse almond meal, for best texture.
- Lemon zest can replace orange zest for a brighter flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain a soft, chewy center.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
