Name: Italian Orange Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 egg whites; 200 g almond flour; 50 g sugar; 3 teaspoons fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 3 tablespoons orange marmalade; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

Italian Orange Cookies are delightful treats bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a tender almond texture. These small, soft cookies filled with orange marmalade are perfect for a light dessert or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

A white scalloped plate holds seven round cookies, each dusted with powdered sugar and topped with bright orange jam in the center, creating a contrast between the pale cookie and glossy jam. The cookies have a slightly cracked, soft texture with sugar dusted over them. The plate rests on a teal cloth, and in the upper right corner, there are two halves of a bright orange placed on a white marbled surface. Another plate with similar cookies is faintly visible in the top left corner. The overall scene is bright and fresh with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 egg whites
200 g almond flour
50 g sugar
3 teaspoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 tablespoons orange marmalade
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and sugar until slightly foamy.
Step 2: Add the almond flour, orange zest, and orange juice into the bowl and mix until completely combined into a smooth dough.
Step 3: Use your hands or an ice cream scoop to form small, even balls. The dough should be sticky but firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s very sticky, dust your hands with powdered sugar before shaping the dough balls.
Step 4: Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Use your thumb or a teaspoon to gently press an indent into the center of each cookie. Spoon a little orange marmalade into each indent, filling it to the brim.
Step 6: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 15 minutes to help them set before baking.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 175°C (356°F) and position the rack in the middle of the oven.
Step 8: Bake the cookies for 12 minutes. They should have a slightly crispy surface but remain soft inside once removed.
Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense orange flavor, add a bit more zest or replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
You can substitute orange marmalade with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a different twist.
If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake for 1–2 minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to one week. To refresh, let them come to room temperature before serving or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows seven small round cookies on a white scalloped plate, each cookie lightly dusted with powdered sugar and having a bright orange jam center that looks glossy and slightly thick. The cookies have a pale yellow color with a crumbly texture. The plate is set on a teal cloth napkin on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is another white plate with more cookies and two halves of fresh oranges with bright orange flesh. A blue cup is partially visible behind the oranges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will change the texture and moisture of the cookies. Egg whites keep the cookies light and chewy, so it’s best to follow the recipe for best results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This can help develop the flavors and make the dough easier to handle.