If you love cookies and easy recipes, then you have to try making a batch of Greek almond cookies!
These classic Greek cookies are bursting with almonds and don’t contain any flour!
They are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free which is great for your dairy and gluten sensitive friends!
This simple cookie is the Greek version of macaroons although there is absolutely no coconut used in them.
They are similar to macaroons texture, which is a meringue like texture – crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida. I graduated high school there and consider it my hometown and actually still live close by in Clearwater, Florida, so it’s easy to say that I know and love Greek food!
Festive occasions and gatherings always include delicious traditional greek dishes and of course traditional greek cookies.
Fun Fact
Tarpon Springs, Florida, has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans than any other American city.
Ingredients For Delicious Greek Almond Cookies
- Almond flour
- Granulated sugar
- Egg whites
- Almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Sliced almonds
- Icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar – optional)
Helpful Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Hand mixer or standing electric mixer
- Wire rack
- Cookie scoop
- Wooden spoon
- Rubber spatula
- Oven mitts
Greek Almond Cookie Recipe
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and almond extract and mix throughly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites at high speed until they form stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the dry ingredients until completely blended. The dough will be thick.
- Form cookie dough balls.
- Roll dough balls in almonds.
- Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet and flatten a bit with your fingers.
- Baking time is approximately 15 minutes.
- Let rest on pan for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
- Transfer to wire rack for cooling.
Variations
- I’ve had this delicious cookie made with different flavors. Instead of almond flavor, you can replace it with vanilla extract. For extra flavour add rose water or orange blossom water.
- You can find these cookies made in different shapes so have fun creating them! Instead of round cookies, try forming the dough ball into a crescent shape or use a piping bag (pastry bag) with a large star attachment and create a swirl round cookie.
- Greek Butter Cookies are also another traditional cookie that is delicious. It’s similar to the Greek almond cookie and made with butter, all purpose flour, a whole egg, sugar, and both vanilla and almond extract.
Pro Tip
Room temperature egg whites achieve better volume when whipped.
Storage Tip
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Almond Meal and Almond Flour?
They are very similar but the two have some distinct differences.
Almond meal is whole ground almonds with the skin still on.
Almond flour is made with blanched whole almonds and the skin has been removed. Also, almond flour is ground more finely.
What Does Whisking Egg Whites Do?
Whisking or whipping egg whites with an electric mixer, incorporates air into the egg whites. This technique is used to add height and lightness to baked goods and other recipes.
If you love this recipe, check out some of my other easy and delicious recipes from Join Me In The Kitchen:
Easy 6 Ingredient Classic Greek Almond Cookies Recipe
These classic Greek cookies are crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with almonds! They are also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites (see Pro Tip)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- Confectioner's sugar (optional for sprinkling on top of the cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, salt, and almond extract. Mix throughly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites at high speed, scraping the sides of the bowl until they form stiff peaks. (see Pro Tip)
- Gently fold half the egg whites into the dry ingredients until completely blended. Repeat with the remaining egg whites. The dough will be thick.
- Use a 1 1/2" cookie scoop or a spoon. With about a tablespoon of dough, form cookie dough balls.
- Roll dough balls in almonds.
- Place cookie balls on prepared baking sheet and flatten a bit with your fingers. The cookies don't spread much while baking.
- Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- For best results, let the cookies rest on the baking tray for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the top of each cookie with powdered sugar if desired while the cookies are still warm.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Notes
Helpful Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Hand mixer or standing electric mixer
- Wire rack
- Cookie scoop
- Wooden spoon
- Rubber spatula
- Oven mitts
Pro Tip
Room temperature egg whites achieve better volume when whipped.
Storage Tip
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Almond Meal and Almond Flour?
They are very similar but the two have some distinct differences.
Almond meal is whole ground almonds with the skin still on.
Almond flour is made with blanched whole almonds and the skin has been removed. Also, almond flour is ground more finely.
What Does Whisking Egg Whites Do?
Whisking or whipping egg whites with an electric mixer, incorporates air into the egg whites. This technique is used to add height and lightness to baked goods and other recipes.