Ricciarelli Honey Cookies are soft, chewy almond cookies that originate from Siena, Italy. These classic Italian treats are made with almond flour, egg whites, and natural honey, giving them a delicate texture and rich, sweet flavor. Unlike traditional Ricciarelli, this recipe enhances the taste with honey, adding a subtle floral note that pairs perfectly with the nutty almond base.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian cookies or looking for a naturally sweet, gluten-free dessert, these Ricciarelli Honey Cookies are a must-try. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create these authentic, bakery-style cookies at home!
Why You’ll Love This Ricciarelli Honey Recipe
These soft, chewy almond cookies are a timeless Italian treat with a delightful honey twist. Here’s why you’ll love making them:
1. Naturally Sweetened with Honey
- Traditional Ricciarelli use powdered sugar, but honey adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral flavor.
2. Soft, Chewy, and Gluten-Free
- Made with almond flour, these cookies have a delicate, chewy texture and are completely gluten-free.
3. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
- You only need a handful of pantry staples, and the process is beginner-friendly.
4. Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions
- With their beautiful cracked tops and powdered sugar dusting, Ricciarelli are perfect for gifting or serving at celebrations.
5. Authentic Italian Flavor with a Unique Twist
- The honey enhances the almond flavor, making these cookies even more aromatic and rich than the traditional version.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian cookies or looking for a new sweet treat to try, these Ricciarelli Honey Cookies will quickly become a favorite!
Prep Time and Servings for Ricciarelli Honey Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 6–8 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12–15 cookies
Ricciarelli cookies require a long resting time to allow the dough to develop its signature soft and chewy texture. The wait is worth it, as these cookies turn out light, airy, and bursting with honeyed almond flavor!
Planning a dessert spread? Pair these cookies with Pecan Pie Bread Pudding for a warm and comforting treat!
Ingredients for Ricciarelli Honey Cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour (finely ground)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional, for extra aroma)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites
- 3 tbsp honey (preferably raw or floral honey)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
Optional Topping:
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ricciarelli Honey Cookies
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest (if using).
- This dry mixture forms the base of the Ricciarelli Honey Cookies and ensures a smooth, delicate texture.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a hand mixer until they form soft peaks.
- Gently fold in honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract, which add natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of Ricciarelli Honey Cookies.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the whipped egg whites, folding gently until a sticky dough forms.
- The dough should be soft but hold its shape, creating the perfect consistency for chewy Ricciarelli Honey Cookies.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape them into oval or diamond shapes, the traditional look of Ricciarelli Honey Cookies.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
5. Let the Dough Rest
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and let the cookies rest at room temperature for 6–8 hours or overnight.
- This resting period allows the cookies to develop their signature chewy texture, a key characteristic of Ricciarelli Honey Cookies.
6. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar before baking for that signature cracked surface.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden but the centers remain soft.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the Ricciarelli Honey Cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
- Dust with more powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
These Ricciarelli Honey Cookies are soft, naturally sweetened, and perfect for any occasion. Want another Italian-inspired dessert? Try Pecan Pie Bread Pudding for a warm, comforting treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Ricciarelli Honey Cookies
1. Use High-Quality Almond Flour
- Finely ground almond flour ensures a smooth texture without graininess.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
- Letting the dough rest for at least 6 hours is essential for achieving the chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Whip the Egg Whites Properly
- Beat the egg whites to soft peaks to create light and airy cookies.
- Avoid overbeating, as stiff peaks can make the dough too dry.
4. Use Honey for Natural Sweetness
- Choose a high-quality honey like wildflower or acacia for a subtle floral flavor.
5. Shape with Powdered Sugar
- Dusting your hands with powdered sugar prevents sticking when shaping the cookies.
6. Bake at a Low Temperature
- Ricciarelli should bake at 300°F (150°C) to keep them soft on the inside while slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Store for Maximum Freshness
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- They taste even better the next day, as the flavors deepen over time!
By following these pro tips, you’ll get perfectly chewy, sweet, and flavorful Ricciarelli Honey Cookies every time! Want another unique dessert? Try Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole for a cozy fall-inspired treat!
FAQs About Ricciarelli Honey Cookies
1. What is the difference between Amaretti and Ricciarelli?
Both are Italian almond cookies, but they have key differences:
- Amaretti: Crunchier, round, and often made with bitter almonds or almond extract.
- Ricciarelli: Softer, chewier, and traditionally from Siena, with a signature cracked sugar-dusted top.
2. What is the meaning of Ricciarelli?
Ricciarelli is named after Ricciardetto della Gherardesca, a nobleman from Siena, Italy, who introduced the soft almond-based treat in the 14th century.
3. Why do Ricciarelli cookies need to rest before baking?
Resting the dough for at least 6 hours helps the cookies develop their signature chewy texture and enhances the flavor.
4. Can I make Ricciarelli without honey?
Yes! You can replace honey with additional powdered sugar to make the classic version, but honey adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
5. How do I store Ricciarelli cookies?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Conclusion for Ricciarelli Honey Cookies
Ricciarelli Honey Cookies are a soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened Italian delicacy that brings the flavors of Siena, Italy, right to your kitchen. With their rich almond flavor, delicate honey notes, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
By following the right techniques—using high-quality almond flour, whipping egg whites properly, and allowing the dough to rest—you’ll create authentic Ricciarelli cookies with the perfect balance of chewiness and sweetness.
Looking for more delightful desserts? Try Pecan Pie Bread Pudding for another comforting and indulgent treat!
Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy making these irresistible Ricciarelli Honey Cookies!
