Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 ½ cups almond flour (240g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g / 1 stick)
- ½ cup sugar (100g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½-2 Tbsp orange zest (about 2 small oranges)
- ¼ tsp salt
Orange Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tsp fresh orange juice
- 1-2 tsp milk
- ½ tsp orange zest
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F to warm up while preparing the cookie dough.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates the base for your cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Incorporate the vanilla extract and salt into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Almond Flour and Orange Zest: Gradually add the almond flour, half a cup at a time, beating after each addition until fully mixed. With the last addition of almond flour, add the orange zest. The dough will be crumbly but moist; use a spatula or clean hands to pull it together.
- Shape Cookies: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop and roll the dough into balls. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and gently press each ball to about half an inch thickness. The cookies won’t spread much during baking, so flattening is important.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness and moisture. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for several minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool fully before icing, ensuring the glaze sets properly.
- Prepare Orange Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, sea salt (if using), 2 teaspoons of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of milk, and orange zest. Adjust the consistency by adding additional orange juice or milk one teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired thickness.
- Ice the Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set. Optionally, sprinkle extra orange zest on top for garnish.
- Store: Keep the iced cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, maintaining their freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped rosemary along with the orange zest for an herby twist.
- Cracks on the edges of almond flour cookies are normal and don’t indicate dryness or a mistake.
- It’s better to slightly underbake these cookies to keep them moist; a test cookie baked for about 8 minutes helps to gauge the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
