How to Make Ricciarelli - A Step-by-Step Guide

Originating from the Italian region of Tuscany, Ricciarelli are delectable almond cookies that are a beloved traditional treat during the holiday season. These gluten-free, soft and chewy cookies are flavored with almond extract and dusted with powdered sugar, which gives them an irresistible sweetness and delicate texture. The word "Ricciarelli" comes from the Italian word "riccio," meaning curly, which refers to the cookies' distinctive shape, resembling a curved almond.

Ricciarelli...

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Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups white sugar
  • 2 cups blanched almonds
  • ½ cup egg whites
  • 1 drop vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 7 mins
  • Additional Time: 13 hrs
  • Total Time: 13 hrs 47 mins
  • Servings: 20
  • Yield: 20 cookies

  • Combine white sugar and almonds in the bowl of a food processor; pulse into a fine powder. Pour into a bowl.
  • Combine 1/4 cup egg whites and vanilla extract in a bowl; add to almond-sugar mixture, mixing as little as possible. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Remove dough from fridge. Sift 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour onto a clean work surface. Place dough in the center and add remaining 1/4 cup egg whites. Knead egg whites into dough until soft and smooth, adding additional confectioners' sugar and flour as needed.
  • Roll portions of dough into 1-inch-thick logs. Take walnut-sized dough pieces from each log and shape into diamonds with slightly wet hands. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and generously dust with confectioner's sugar. Let rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bake cookies in the preheated oven until lightly golden, 7 to 8 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet before serving.
  • Nutrition

    183 cal.

    • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 14mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 25g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Calcium: 32mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 111mg