If you’re craving a delightful treat that captures the essence of the Mediterranean, you simply must try this Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe. These tender, buttery cookies are bursting with the rich, nutty flavor of blanched almonds and the subtle sweetness that comes from just the right amount of sugar and vanilla. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of a soft crumb with a delicate almond crunch, making these biscuits a treasured favorite in Cretan households. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends, these almond biscuits embody warmth, tradition, and simple elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe lies in its straightforward, well-chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor, texture, and appearance of these charming cookies, making them irresistibly delicious.
- Blanched Almonds (2/3 cup or 100g): Ground almonds add a natural nuttiness and tender crumb to the biscuits.
- Plain Flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and stability.
- Baking Powder (4 tsp): Helps your biscuits rise beautifully, keeping them light and fluffy.
- Pinch of Cooking Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter (250g, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the biscuits melt in your mouth.
- White Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens gently without overpowering the almond flavor.
- Large Egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Gives a subtle aromatic lift to the dough.
- Egg White (1, lightly whisked): Used for brushing the tops, giving them a lovely golden sheen.
- Almond Flakes (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for the perfect crunchy, decorative finish.
How to Make Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Almonds and Dry Ingredients
Start by lightly toasting the blanched almonds to bring out their deep, nutty aroma—this step is essential for infusing your biscuits with authentic flavor. Once cooled, grind them coarsely or finely based on your texture preference. In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt to ensure an even rise and consistent crumb throughout your biscuits.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next, cream the softened unsalted butter with white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process traps air, which is crucial for that tender texture. Adding the large egg and vanilla extract here allows the dough to bind and develop its rich, fragrant character.
Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold the ground almonds and sifted dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Mixing gently ensures a soft dough without overworking it, which can make the biscuits tough. The dough should come together smoothly, soft but not sticky, ready to be shaped.
Step 4: Shaping and Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll small portions of dough into uniform balls or use a spoon to drop them onto a lined baking tray. Lightly brush each biscuit with the lightly whisked egg white—this gives them a beautiful golden color and a slight gloss when baked. Sprinkle almond flakes on top generously for that irresistible crunch. Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These almond biscuits shine best with simple garnishes that complement their nutty sweetness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate their look and flavor, making them perfect for special occasions or a casual afternoon snack.
Side Dishes
Serve your Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits with a cup of rich Greek coffee or a mild black tea for a traditional pairing. They also work wonderfully alongside Greek yogurt with a touch of honey, creating a balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the biscuits on a beautiful platter lined with dried orange slices and sprigs of fresh mint or thyme to bring out their Mediterranean roots. You might also sandwich two biscuits with a layer of almond butter or apricot jam for an irresistible treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these biscuits later, they freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months without any loss of flavor.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-baked taste, warm the biscuits in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can soften them too much and diminish the almond crunch we love so much.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of blanched almonds?
Yes, almond flour can be used as a convenient alternative, but the texture may be slightly different. Almond flour is finer and will give a more uniform crumb, while ground blanched almonds add a bit more rustic texture and flavor depth.
Is it necessary to toast the almonds before using them?
Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and aroma, making your biscuits more flavorful. However, if you’re short on time, you can use them raw—just know that the taste will be milder.
Can I make these biscuits vegan?
While this recipe relies on butter and eggs for texture and flavor, you could experiment with vegan butter and flaxseed egg substitutes. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary somewhat from the traditional biscuits.
How long do these biscuits keep their freshness?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh and delicious for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they might start to lose their crispness.
What’s the best way to grind almonds for this recipe?
Using a food processor to pulse the blanched almonds lightly works best. Avoid overprocessing, as that can turn them into almond butter. You want a slightly coarse grind to maintain that pleasant bite in the biscuits.
Final Thoughts
Making this Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Crete into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and steps, you create a batch of cookies that taste like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and share the joy it brings with friends and family — these biscuits are sure to become a new favorite!
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Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Traditional Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits are crumbly, buttery cookies loaded with almond flavor, perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat. These homemade almond cookies feature blanched almonds, a hint of vanilla, and delicate almond flakes on top, offering a crunchy yet tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (100g) blanched almonds
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- One pinch cooking salt / kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 250g/ 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cups white sugar (or caster sugar)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (~50g / 2oz in shell)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg white, lightly whisked
Topping
- 1/4 cup almond flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the almond mixture: Finely grind the blanched almonds using a food processor or a mortar and pestle until they are crumbly but not too fine. This will add rich texture and almond flavor to the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine evenly to ensure the biscuits rise slightly and have a balanced taste.
- Make the dough: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in the ground almonds carefully, until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender.
- Shape and decorate: Take portions of the dough and shape into small round cookies about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each with the lightly whisked egg white and sprinkle almond flakes over the top to add a beautiful texture and nutty flavor before baking.
- Bake the biscuits: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies on the middle rack for about 15-18 minutes or until they turn golden at the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Blanched almonds should be finely ground but not turned into almond flour to preserve texture.
- Use unsalted butter softened at room temperature for best creaming results.
- The egg white helps the almond flakes stick and adds a slight crispness to the cookie top.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Leftover egg whites can be utilized for breakfast scrambled eggs or other recipes.
