Almond and lemon biscuits are a real delight for those who love fragrant, soft and scented desserts. The combination of almonds and lemon gives a unique freshness and a delicate but irresistible flavor. Perfect for a snack, to give as a gift or to enjoy at any time of the day, these biscuits are easy to prepare and will surely please everyone!
Ingredients
200 g of 00 flour
100 g of chopped almonds (better if with the skin)
100 g of granulated sugar
1 egg
80 g of butter (at room temperature)
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon of baking powder
A pinch of salt
Icing sugar for decorating (optional)
Preparation
Preparation of the dough:
In a large bowl, work the butter at room temperature with the sugar until you obtain a soft and creamy mixture.
Add the egg and mix well, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth.
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture a little at a time, mixing until the flour is completely incorporated.
Add the chopped almonds and mix well until the mixture is soft but compact.
Forming the biscuits:
Take small portions of dough and form balls of about 2 cm in diameter. If you want, you can also form small balls and flatten them slightly with your hands.
Arrange the biscuits on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving a little space between each one.
Cooking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (static) or 160°C (fan assisted).
Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden at the edges.
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Serve:
Once cooled, if you like, you can sprinkle the biscuits with a little icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve the almond and lemon biscuits with a good tea or coffee for a delicious snack.
Serving and storage tips
Serving: These biscuits are perfect for a snack or as a sweet treat to give as a gift on special occasions. They are also ideal to be served at the end of a meal, accompanied by a glass of limoncello.
Storage: Store the biscuits in a tin or in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. You can also freeze them, separating each biscuit with baking paper.
Variations
Add chocolate chips: If you want an extra touch, you can add a few drops of white or dark chocolate to the dough.
Crispier biscuits: For crispier biscuits, you can cook them a few minutes longer. Just be careful not to burn them.
Flavor with other citrus fruits: If you prefer a fresher flavor, try substituting the lemon with orange or lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make cookies without almonds? Yes, you can leave out the almonds or substitute other nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios.
- How can I make the cookies softer? For softer cookies, make sure not to overcook them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden brown.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before shaping and baking the cookies.
- Can I use pre-squeezed lemon instead of fresh? Yes, but the flavor of fresh lemon zest adds a more intense flavor. If you use pre-squeezed juice, add a little grated zest to keep the flavor fresh.
Almond and lemon biscuits are a simple but flavourful dessert, perfect for those looking for a light and fragrant alternative to traditional biscuits!
