If you are searching for a truly delightful treat that offers a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine, the Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These almond cookies are wonderfully crisp on the edges and tender inside, with a subtle nutty sweetness that transports you straight to the beautiful island of Crete. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, these biscuits offer a delicious harmony of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma from pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- 2/3 cup (100g) blanched almonds: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and slight crunch that defines the biscuits.
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour): Provides the perfect structure for a soft yet sturdy biscuit.
- 4 tsp baking powder: Gives the biscuits a gentle rise, making them light instead of dense.
- One pinch cooking salt / kosher salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 250g/ 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender crumb with a rich, buttery taste.
- 3/4 cups white sugar (or caster sugar): Sweetens the biscuits elegantly without overpowering the almonds.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds all ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 egg white, lightly whisked: Used for brushing to help the almond flakes stick and give a lovely sheen.
- 1/4 cup almond flakes: Adds texture and a lovely visual appeal on top of each biscuit.
How to Make Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Almonds and Dry Ingredients
Start by finely grinding your blanched almonds until they resemble a coarse meal—this ensures the biscuits will have that signature delicate almond texture without being too crunchy. Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl to uniformly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning, creating the perfect base for the biscuit dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, helping the biscuits achieve their light texture. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to fully combine all the liquids into your rich butter base.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients and ground almonds into the butter mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until all the flour is absorbed but avoid overmixing to keep your biscuits tender. The dough will feel soft but firm enough to shape easily. If it feels too sticky, a quick chill of 15 minutes in the fridge can make handling simpler.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll small portions of dough into balls, then gently flatten them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each biscuit with the lightly whisked egg white, then sprinkle almond flakes on top, pressing them slightly to stick. Bake for about 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying their crisp-yet-tender perfection.
How to Serve Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can elevate these biscuits to an irresistible treat that’s both beautiful and flavorful. A sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed pistachios adds an extra Mediterranean flair to the presentation.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are fantastic with a cup of strong Greek coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. They also pair wonderfully with a small bowl of fresh fruit preserves or a smooth, creamy yogurt for a balanced and delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these biscuits with layers of mascarpone and jam to create a simple yet elegant mini dessert. Alternatively, wrap them in cellophane tied with rustic twine for homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and protects their crisp texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and let them regain their crispness naturally.
Reheating
If you prefer your biscuits warm, pop them in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5 minutes. This gentle reheating brings back the wonderful aroma and softens the texture just enough without losing the signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of ground blanched almonds?
Yes, almond flour works well as a substitute and will help keep the texture moist and tender. However, ground blanched almonds may provide a slightly coarser texture that’s traditional to the recipe.
What if I don’t have almond flakes for topping?
If almond flakes are unavailable, chopped almonds or even other nuts like pistachios can be used to add a nice texture and beautiful finish on top of the biscuits.
Are these biscuits gluten-free?
Unfortunately, no. This Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe relies on all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free versions, you would need to experiment with suitable flour alternatives.
Can I make these biscuits without butter?
Butter is key to the rich taste and texture here, but you could try substituting with high-quality margarine or coconut oil, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
How long do these almond biscuits last?
Stored properly, these biscuits will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended, and they will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe enough — it’s a little treasure from Crete that’s simple, satisfying, and truly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these biscuits promise a wonderful baking adventure and an even more delightful eating experience. Go ahead, give them a try and share that warm Mediterranean spirit with everyone around you!
Print
Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Traditional Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits that are delightfully buttery and subtly sweet with a crisp texture. These classic cookies combine ground blanched almonds, flour, and a touch of vanilla, topped with crunchy almond flakes, making them perfect for tea time or festive occasions.
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 (for brushing)
Topping
- 1/4 cup almond flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the almonds: Finely grind the blanched almonds until they resemble a coarse flour. Set aside for use in the dough mixture.
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the whole egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the plain flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and the ground almonds, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, then gently flatten them into discs about 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
- Add toppings and bake: Brush the tops of each cookie lightly with the whisked egg white. Sprinkle almond flakes evenly over the top, pressing them gently so they stick. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the cookies turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Note 1: Blanched almonds are almonds with skins removed; this gives the cookies a smoother texture.
- Note 2: Softened butter means butter left at room temperature for about 30 minutes, making it easy to cream with sugar.
- Use leftover egg whites from the recipe for making fluffy scrambled eggs or other dishes to avoid waste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
