Crispy Italian Almond Chews

The scent of almonds baking always takes me right back to Nonna Emilia’s kitchen. Sunlight streaming through the lace curtains, dusting the countertop where she’d roll out her famous biscotti. Though these Crispy Italian Almond Chews aren’t biscotti, they capture that same delicate, nutty aroma, that same melt-in-your-mouth goodness that made her kitchen the heart of our family. I’ve taken that cherished memory and given it a modern twist, creating these simple, elegant chews that are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon treat to a fancy holiday spread. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and I promise, they’ll fill your home with the same warmth and love that Nonna Emilia poured into every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Elegance: These Crispy Italian Almond Chews look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Almond flour makes these chews naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a bite (or two!).
• Perfectly Portable: These little gems are perfect for packing in lunchboxes, taking to picnics, or sharing at potlucks. They travel beautifully!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of almond flour, almond extract, and toasted sliced almonds creates a symphony of almond flavor that will dance on your taste buds.
• A Touch of Nostalgia: Every bite is a little trip down memory lane, evoking the warmth and comfort of homemade treats.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, a scoop of gelato, or simply on their own – they’re delicious any way you slice them (pun intended!).

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

• 2 cups almond flour (I love the finely ground kind – it makes for a wonderfully delicate texture in these Crispy Italian Almond Chews)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness)
• 2 large egg whites (Room temperature, please! It helps them whip up beautifully)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (Pure almond extract is key for that intense almond flavor. Trust me on this one!)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Just a touch of vanilla to round out the flavors)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in these Crispy Italian Almond Chews)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (For that beautiful, crunchy topping and extra almondy goodness. You can toast them beforehand for even deeper flavor!)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (Optional, but oh-so-pretty!)

Let’s Make It Together

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring your beautiful Crispy Italian Almond Chews come off the sheet easily.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients Dance

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour and powdered sugar. I like to use a whisk to make sure there are no lumps and everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Wet Ingredients Waltz

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is light and frothy.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix! Just until everything is combined. You can almost see the magic happening as the dough comes together for these Crispy Italian Almond Chews.

Step 5: Shaping the Chews

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. I like to use a tablespoon, it gives me just the right size for these delicate chews.

Step 6: Almond-Studded Tops

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers. Then, press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie. This is where the magic happens! See how beautifully the sliced almonds nestle on top in the photo?

Step 7: Baking Time

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. Keep a close eye on them – oven temperatures can vary. You want that perfect golden hue, a sign of deliciousness to come.

Step 8: Cooling Down

Allow the Crispy Italian Almond Chews to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from crumbling.

Step 9: Dust with Sweetness (Optional)

Once the chews are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.

Step 10: Time to Enjoy!

Serve these delightful Crispy Italian Almond Chews with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Share them with loved ones and watch their faces light up with joy!

Paisley’s Secrets for Success

• Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature egg whites whip up better, creating a lighter, airier texture in your Crispy Italian Almond Chews.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the chews tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Parchment Paper is Key: Using parchment paper prevents the chews from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooling Time: Allowing the chews to cool completely on a wire rack helps them firm up and prevents them from crumbling.
• Storage: Store your Crispy Italian Almond Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for later. Just thaw them completely before baking.

Tasty Twists to Try

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled chews for a decadent treat.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom adds a warm, aromatic touch to these Crispy Italian Almond Chews.
• Coconut Flakes: Replace some of the sliced almonds with unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
• Cranberry Delight: Add a handful of dried cranberries to the dough for a chewy, tart-sweet combination.

How I Love to Serve This

• Afternoon Delight: These Crispy Italian Almond Chews are perfect with a cup of afternoon tea or coffee.
• Dessert Platter Star: They make a beautiful addition to any dessert platter, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
• Party Favors: Package them up in pretty little bags and give them as party favors.
• Gift from the Heart: A tin of these homemade chews makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for any occasion. Imagine sharing the warmth of these Crispy Italian Almond Chews with friends and family, just like in the photo.
• Sweet Ending: Enjoy them after dinner as a light and satisfying dessert.

Pull Up a Chair & Chat

I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried these Crispy Italian Almond Chews? What are your favorite ways to enjoy them? Do you have a special family recipe that brings back fond memories? Share your stories and baking adventures in the comments below!

Final Thoughts

Baking should be a joy, a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories. These Crispy Italian Almond Chews are a testament to that. They’re simple, delicious, and full of heart. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and bake up a batch of these little gems. You won’t regret it!

FAQs About Crispy Italian Almond Chews

• Can I substitute coconut flour for almond flour? While you can experiment, coconut flour absorbs liquid differently, so the texture and taste will change significantly.
• How do I store these chews? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully!
• Can I make these without the sliced almonds? Absolutely! They’ll still be delicious, just without the added crunch and visual appeal.
• My chews turned out too flat. What did I do wrong? You might have overmixed the dough or not rolled them into tight enough balls. Don’t worry, they’ll still taste delicious!
• Can I add other nuts besides almonds? Yes! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Just chop them into smaller pieces.
• Are these chews gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free almond flour.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can bake them a few days ahead and store them in an airtight container, or freeze the unbaked dough for later. These Crispy Italian Almond Chews are as versatile as they are delicious! They’re perfect for making ahead and having on hand for unexpected guests or a quick treat.