Almond Cloud Cookies (Light, Chewy & Gluten-Free) Recipe
These Almond Cloud Cookies are light, chewy, and gluten-free treats made with almond flour and whipped egg whites. Offering a delicate almond flavor enhanced with almond extract and optional vanilla or lemon zest, these cookies are perfect for a healthy snack or dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: About 18-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond flour, finely ground and blanched
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Optional Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon lemon zest for additional flavor depth
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic light and airy texture of the cookies.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour and granulated sugar, stirring until evenly mixed.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dry ingredients until the dough becomes smooth and sticky. Be careful not to knock out too much air from the egg whites to maintain fluffiness. Add almond extract, and optionally, vanilla extract or lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to form rounded mounds of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites to achieve maximum volume when whisking.
- Substituting granulated sugar with coconut sugar provides a healthier, lower glycemic index option.
- Do not overmix the batter once the egg whites are folded in to retain the airy texture.
- Ensure to space cookies properly on the baking sheet to prevent them from merging.
- Cookies may seem soft when removed from oven but will firm up as they cool.
Keywords: Almond Cloud Cookies, Gluten-Free Cookies, Chewy Almond Cookies, Light Cookies, Healthy Dessert, Almond Flour Cookies
