Almond Orange Macaroons are a delightful treat, blending the flavors of almond, orange zest, and a touch of sweetness. These cookies are praised for their light texture and the perfect balance of citrus and nuttiness, making them a favorite for dessert tables, especially during festive occasions like Christmas or Hanukkah.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Zest of 1 orange (finely grated)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond paste, diced
- 3 egg whites
Nutritional Information (per macaroon):
- Calories: 42.1
- Fat: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 9.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 0.6g
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Position the oven rack at the lowest level and preheat to 300°F (150°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Sugar Mixture:
- In a food processor fitted with a steel knife, combine granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, and salt.
- Pulse until the zest is finely ground with the sugars, which typically takes about 3 sessions of 20-second pulses. Scrape down the sides of the bowl in between pulses to ensure even mixing.
-
Incorporate Almond Paste:
- Distribute diced almond paste evenly over the sugar mixture in the food processor.
- Pulse the mixture for two more 10-second intervals until the texture resembles coarse meal. Scrape down the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
-
Add Egg Whites:
- Pour in the egg whites and pulse with about two 5-second pulses. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure thorough mixing.
-
Form and Bake:
- Using rounded 1/2 teaspoonfuls of dough, drop onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread during baking.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroons are lightly browned and have a crackly top.
-
Cool and Store:
- Transfer the baked cookies, still on the parchment paper, to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, carefully loosen the macaroons from the parchment paper using a spatula. They are soft and delicate, so handle them gently.
- To store, layer the macaroons between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the almond paste is diced into small pieces to distribute evenly in the dough.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Monitor baking closely, as oven temperatures may vary. The macaroons should be lightly golden and crackly on top when done.
- These cookies are not overly sweet, making them a perfect pairing with coffee or tea.
Variations:
- For a variation, you can add a dash of almond extract for an extra almond flavor.
- Decorate with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a more indulgent treat.
Almond Orange Macaroons are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a pleasure to make, combining simple ingredients into a sophisticated cookie that’s sure to impress. Perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions, these macaroons embody the essence of homemade goodness with a citrus twist.
