Almond Cloud Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s delightfully chewy, boasts clouds of almond flavor, and never fails to impress, almond cloud cookies will soon become your go-to treat. These dainty little cookies are naturally gluten-free, audaciously nutty, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying one with your afternoon coffee, almond cloud cookies bring just the right balance of sweetness and texture, all with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about almond cloud cookies is their short shopping list: each element is carefully chosen to make the flavors and textures shine. While the ingredients might seem humble, every single one has a role to play, contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth experience and iconic almond fragrance.
- Almond paste: The star of the show! Use pure almond paste (not marzipan) for intense, authentic flavor and the cookie’s signature chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while also lending a touch of crispness to the exterior as the cookies bake.
- Salt: Just a pinch deepens all the sweet, nutty notes and helps balance the overall flavor.
- Egg whites: At room temperature, these create the light, cloud-like structure that makes the cookies tender and airy.
- Almond extract: Adds an extra punch of almond aroma so every bite is irresistibly fragrant.
- Sliced almonds: Toast lightly in the oven and add a lovely crunch and visual appeal on top.
- Powdered sugar: A generous dusting just before serving gives each cookie its dreamy, cloud-like finish.
How to Make Almond Cloud Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your almond cloud cookies don’t stick and bake up with perfectly golden bottoms. Having your pans ready makes scooping the dough a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Almond Paste, Sugar, and Salt
Break the almond paste into pieces and add it to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar and salt. Beat everything together on low speed until the mixture looks sandy and crumbly. Don’t worry if it seems dry at this point; it will come together as you add the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Add Egg Whites and Almond Extract
With the mixer running on low, add the egg whites one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough will transform from crumbly to smooth and sticky. Once all the egg whites are in, add the almond extract and mix just until combined. You’ll notice the aroma is already absolutely divine!
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mound-shaped portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each so they have room to spread. For that classic look and extra flavor, sprinkle a few sliced almonds on each mound, pressing them in gently so they adhere.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges while the centers stay a bit soft—this will ensure a chewy, cloud-like texture. Let your almond cloud cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before moving them. They’ll set up as they cool, making them easy to handle.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Right before serving, sift a generous cloud of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies. This final touch makes them look magical and adds an extra hint of sweetness that puts the “cloud” in almond cloud cookies.
How to Serve Almond Cloud Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, you can garnish your almond cloud cookies with a few more toasted sliced almonds or a sprinkle of edible glitter. If you’re feeling playful, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for a striking finish—they’ll look as fancy as any Italian bakery treat!
Side Dishes
These cookies are lovely on their own, but they also shine paired with fresh berries, citrus segments, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re serving them at a party, a platter with seasonal fruit and a few squares of dark chocolate makes for a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange almond cloud cookies in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a dreamy centerpiece. Tuck a few into clear treat bags with fancy ribbon for a homemade gift, or box them up alongside your favorite biscotti for an Italian-inspired cookie assortment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover almond cloud cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and tender for about five days—perfect for making ahead of a busy event or just to enjoy at your leisure all week.
Freezing
Almond cloud cookies freeze beautifully! Once thoroughly cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, with a sheet of parchment between layers if you’re stacking. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet treat.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these cookies, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If you want to refresh their texture, you can pop them onto a baking sheet and warm them in a 250°F oven for 2-3 minutes, then dust again with a little powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?
Stick to almond paste for this recipe. Marzipan is sweeter and can change both the flavor and texture of your almond cloud cookies, so you won’t get the classic chewy bite or almond intensity.
Are almond cloud cookies really gluten-free?
Yes! There’s no flour in the dough, so almond cloud cookies are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your almond paste is certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or severe sensitivities.
Can I make almond cloud cookies without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the job easier, you can use a sturdy hand mixer or even mix by hand with a wooden spoon (just be sure to break up the almond paste as thoroughly as possible).
What’s the best way to store almond cloud cookies for maximum freshness?
Keep them in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, go ahead and freeze them—just thaw before serving and add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
You can! A hint of lemon or orange zest adds brightness, or try folding in mini chocolate chips for a twist. Just don’t overload the delicate dough; simplicity really lets that almond flavor shine.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of almond cloud cookies in your own kitchen. They’re simple, spectacular, and sure to bring a smile to everyone who tries them. Give these a whirl—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
Print
Almond Cloud Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Cloud Cookies are a delightful gluten-free treat with a chewy, soft texture and a rich almond flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Almond Cloud Cookies:
- 2 cups almond paste (not marzipan)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix almond paste and sugar: In a stand mixer, combine almond paste, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Add egg whites and almond extract: Gradually add egg whites and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Form and bake cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, top with sliced almonds, and bake until golden.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and have a chewy, soft texture with a strong almond flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
