Greek Almond Cookies: Authentic Recipe from My Kitchen Recipe

Introduction

These Greek Almond Cookies bring the warm flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. They are tender, lightly citrusy, and topped with crunchy almonds and sesame seeds for added texture. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup softened butter
• 1 medium egg yolk (optional, for shine)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Sesame seeds and slivered almonds for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Step 4: Incorporate the egg yolk (if using), orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Wrap the dough and refrigerate it for 15 minutes to firm up and rest.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces for uniform cookies.
7. Step 7: Roll each piece into an S-shape or a crescent, then use a fork to gently indent the surface for a traditional look.
8. Step 8: Arrange the shaped cookies on baking sheets, sprinkle with sesame seeds and slivered almonds, then bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers for storage.

Tips & Variations

• For a shiny finish, lightly brush the cookies with the egg yolk before adding the toppings.
• Try substituting orange zest and juice with lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a more intense almond taste, toast the ground almonds lightly before mixing.
• These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They maintain their crisp texture best this way. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Reheating in a low oven for a few minutes will refresh their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without the egg yolk?

Yes, the egg yolk is optional and mainly used to add shine to the cookies. Leaving it out won’t affect the texture much, but the cookies may have a more matte finish.

What can I substitute for ground almonds if I have an allergy?

You can replace ground almonds with finely ground oats or use additional flour to maintain the cookie structure, but note the flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.

Greek Almond Cookies: Authentic Recipe from My Kitchen Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

Authentic Greek Almond Cookies that are soft and flavorful, made with ground almonds, fresh orange zest, and a hint of vanilla. These traditional cookies feature a delicate crumbly texture and are topped with sesame seeds and slivered almonds, perfect for any festive occasion or as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/3 cup softened butter
• 1 medium egg yolk (optional, for shine)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Toppings

• Sesame seeds for topping
• Slivered almonds for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl until well incorporated.
3. Add Butter and Mix: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the optional egg yolk, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract into the mixture, kneading gently until a soft dough forms.
5. Rest the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator and let it rest for 15 minutes to firm up and enhance the flavors.
6. Shape the Cookies: Divide the dough into 24 equal portions. Roll each portion into an S-shape or crescent shape and use a fork to create indentations for decoration and texture.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds and slivered almonds onto the shaped cookies to add a nutty crunch and a traditional touch.
8. Bake: Arrange cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring some space between them, then bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
9. Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to airtight containers for storage to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Optional egg yolk adds a lovely shine to the cookies but can be omitted for a more rustic finish.
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Ground almonds can be substituted with almond flour if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Greek almond cookies, orange almond cookies, traditional Greek dessert, homemade almond cookies, citrus cookie recipe