Greek Almond Cookies, also known as Amygdalota (Gr:αμυγδαλωτά), are simple and easy almond cookies. They’re also called Greek Macarons as they’re soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. These cookies are most often made at ceremonies such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations. So let’s try the Greek Almond Cookie Recipe at home and see how they turn out.
Let’s begin!
Amygdalota Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure almond extract
- 4 cups almond meal (blanched almond flour)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- 1 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
- 7 oz semi-sweet chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F
- Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, sift through the almond meal to remove and lumps
- To the flour, add salt, vanilla, orange blossom water, and mix, mix it well
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites at high speed till fluffy and stiff
- Fold the egg whites into the flour mixture with a spatula
- With an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop out walnut-sized dough and evenly arrange them on the baking tray
- Sprinkle the dough with almonds
- Place the trays into the oven and let them bake for 15 minutes
- Once the edges start to brown, remove the trays from the oven and let the cookies cool
- If you want to decorate the cookies, melt the chocolate via the double boiler method and spread the melted chocolate over the cookie bottoms
- Place the cookies chocolate side up in the fridge to let them set
Tips for this recipe
- If you prefer a denser cookie, add another 455 grams of flour to the batter
- Denser cookie dough will not spread while baking, while a lighter dough will make a flatter cookie
- You can store the cookies in an airtight bag and place them in the freezer. They will last another 15 days
- Almond flour can be substituted instead of almond meal
Βιόλα ( Voila)! The Greek Almond Cookies are ready to be enjoyed.
Amygdalota’s History
Almonds have been an integral part of Greek cuisine since the 3rd century. The Greek Island of Monemvasia was home to orchards of almond and orange trees, which are two important components of the Greek Almond cookie. The Amygdalota symbolizes a new beginning, happiness, prosperity, and good luck, thus they are always served after baptisms and wedding ceremonies.
Like most Greek recipes, each has its own variations. The recipes differ from island to island, town to town. The Amygdalota are famously made on the Cycladic Islands and in the cities of Hydra and Poros. The amygdalota made on the island of Tinos is called Rodina, where the almond cookie is stuffed with a chestnut or morello cherry.
Significance of Almonds in Greek Culture
Greek Mythology contains several references to almonds and almond trees. The myths of Phyllis and Demophon, and Agdistis and Attis are one of the most retold legends. The Greeks attribute the beginning of spring season with the blossoming of the almond trees. They welcome the fruit and trees with the saying ”let the season begin”.
The almonds were so sparingly used by the Ancient Greeks, that the Romans of those times would call almonds “ Greek Nuts”.
Try these Recipes While You’re At It!
There are two kinds of people in this world; those who love cookies, and those who never tried the right recipes. Whichever one you may be, try these scrumptious cookie recipes
- The healthy Florentines will transport you all the way to Florence
- The Almond Cinnamon Cookies are perfect for the holidays
- The ever-delightful Peanut Butter Cookies are a favorite during tea time
- Speaking of PB, make a pizza-cookie hybrid with Bj’s Peanut Butter Pizookie
- Martha Stewart’s Chinese Almond Cookies are elegant, buttery and delicious!
- The Almond Biscotti, although not a cookie, it’s still crispy and tasty
- Have a look at our other almond cookie recipes
The Almond Buttercream Frosting makes a divine combination with the Greek Almond Cookie recipe. For a light and refreshing snack on hot summer days, try the Almond Jelly with Lychee, it’s extremely flavorful! Celebrate every day with the Cheesecake Almond Cone Recipe, you don’t need an excuse to eat these.
I am a yogi with a smoldering passion for nutrition and healthy living. I have been a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach for over 11 years and now I want to help you. My mission is to inspire as many people as I can to expand their awareness and broaden their horizons by giving a voice to the choices that create abundant, radiant health. Here I share deliciously simple plant-based recipes, nutrition resources, detox tips, and a glimpse into my whole lifestyle.
