Siena Almond Cookies (Ricciarelli) – A Traditional Italian Delight

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 200g (2 cups) almond flour
• 200g (1¾ cups) icing sugar/powdered sugar
• 2g (½ teaspoon) salt
• 2g (½ teaspoon) baking powder
• 2 large egg whites (70g/⅓ cup)
• 1 organic orange, zested
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) almond extract
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

For Coating

• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 50g (½ cup) icing sugar/powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

• Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F)
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sift almond flour and icing sugar together into a large bowl
• Add salt and baking powder
• Whisk to combine thoroughly

1. Prepare Egg Whites

• In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form
• The peaks should stand straight up when the beater is lifted

1. Combine Ingredients

• Gradually fold the almond mixture into the egg whites in three portions
• Add orange zest, almond extract, and vanilla extract
• Mix until just combined, maintaining the airiness

1. Shape the Cookies

• Pour granulated sugar and icing sugar for coating into separate shallow dishes
• Take approximately 1 tablespoon of dough
• Shape into an oval approximately 2 inches long
• Roll first in granulated sugar, then in icing sugar

1. Rest and Bake

• Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch between each
• Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour
• Bake for 20 minutes until slightly golden at edges
• Cool completely on wire rack

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 95
• Protein: 2.5g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Professional Tips for Perfect Ricciarelli

1. Temperature Control

• All ingredients should be at room temperature
• Maintain consistent oven temperature throughout baking
• Never open the oven door during baking

1. Texture Optimization

• Use superfine almond flour for best results
• Double-sift dry ingredients to ensure no lumps
• Handle dough gently to maintain air bubbles

1. Humidity Considerations

• Avoid making on very humid days
• Store ingredients in airtight containers
• Adjust resting time according to room humidity

Variations and Substitutions

1. Traditional Enhancement

• Replace almond extract with 30g pure almond paste
• Add 50g finely ground pistachios for complexity
• Incorporate 5g orange blossom water for authenticity

1. Citrus Alternatives

• Substitute orange zest with lemon or lime
• Add 2g dried citrus peel to intensify flavor
• Include 5ml citrus extract for stronger profile