Delightful Almond Cloud Cookies
Indulge in the heavenly taste of these Delightful Almond Cloud Cookies, a classic treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of finely chopped almonds with a light, airy texture thanks to the whipped egg whites. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, these delightful cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection. With a touch of almond extract and a hint of melted shortening, each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal for dessert tables, tea parties, or simply to satisfy that sweet craving, these cookies are bound to impress your friends and family.
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg whites
3 (Whipped until soft peaks form)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Finely chopped almonds
1/2 lb (Finely chopped)
Almond extract
10 drops (Pure)
Melted shortening
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
2
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
3
Gradually add the sugar to the beaten egg whites while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks.
4
Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds, almond extract, and melted shortening until well combined.
5
Using a teaspoon, drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each mound.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
7
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before gently removing them.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightful Almond Cloud Cookies?
They are a light and airy dessert made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and finely chopped almonds, offering a crunchy exterior and a soft center.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 cookies.
What is the main ingredient for the base?
The base of these cookies is made from three egg whites whipped into a meringue.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, these cookies are gluten-free as they use almonds instead of flour.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with wax paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
How long do I need to bake the cookies?
Bake the cookies for 30 to 40 minutes.
What is the secret to the airy texture?
The secret is beating the egg whites until they form soft peaks and then adding sugar until they form stiff, glossy peaks.
Can I use almond extract?
Yes, the recipe calls for 10 drops of pure almond extract for a rich, nutty flavor.
How do I add the almonds and shortening?
Gently fold the finely chopped almonds, almond extract, and melted shortening into the meringue to keep the mixture light.
What kind of sugar should I use?
Use one cup of granulated sugar.
How do I place the dough on the baking sheet?
Use a teaspoon to drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared sheet.
Should I leave space between the cookies?
Yes, leave some space between each mound on the baking sheet.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Do I need to let them cool?
Yes, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before trying to remove them.
What type of shortening is used?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of melted shortening.
Is an electric mixer necessary?
While not strictly necessary, an electric mixer is highly recommended to properly beat the egg whites to the correct consistency.
Can I serve these at a tea party?
Absolutely, these light cookies are ideal for dessert tables and tea parties.
How should the almonds be prepared?
The almonds should be finely chopped; 1/2 lb is required for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the egg whites?
They should be whipped until soft peaks form before adding the sugar.
Are these cookies similar to macaroons?
Yes, they are tagged as macaroons due to their almond and egg white composition.
What happens if I don't wait for them to cool?
They may be too soft and could break or stick to the wax paper if removed while warm.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe requires only 5 ingredients.
Can I substitute the sugar?
The recipe specifies granulated sugar to ensure the meringue stabilizes properly.
What is the flavor profile?
They have a sweet, nutty almond flavor with a hint of richness from the shortening.
How much shortening is needed?
You only need 1 tablespoon of melted shortening.
Is this a high-temperature baking recipe?
No, this recipe uses a low temperature of 275°F to dry out the meringue.
What kind of texture should the meringue have?
The final meringue mixture should be glossy and form stiff peaks.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Are these cookies suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, because one batch makes 48 cookies, they are great for sharing at gatherings.