Orange Blossom Almond Tea Cookies

If you’re searching for a delicate, fragrant treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or as a light dessert, these Orange Blossom Almond Tea Cookies are exactly what you need. Soft, buttery, and subtly floral with a hint of citrus, these cookies bring together the nutty richness of almond flour and the enchanting aroma of orange blossom water. They’re simple to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can effortlessly create these charming cookies in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe is a keeper because it balances flavors and textures with precision. The almond flour lends a moist, tender crumb that’s naturally gluten-free, while the all-purpose flour helps maintain structure and a slight chewiness. Powdered sugar ensures a smooth sweetness without graininess, and the orange blossom water adds a unique floral note that elevates the entire cookie experience. The addition of fresh orange zest brightens the flavor, making every bite a perfect harmony of nutty, sweet, and citrusy. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, so you can whip these up anytime. The cookie dough holds together beautifully, making shaping easy and foolproof, while the sliced almonds on top add a satisfying crunch and an elegant finish.

The Essentials

• 1 cup almond flour: Provides moisture and a rich, nutty base.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure and chewiness.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cookies without graininess.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift and light texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and buttery flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water: Infuses a delicate floral aroma.
• Zest of 1 orange: Brightens and complements the almond.
• Sliced almonds for garnish: Adds texture and visual appeal.

Tools of the Trade

• Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: To cream butter and sugar smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or microplane: To finely grate fresh orange zest.
• Baking sheet: For baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
• Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning cookie dough uniformly.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool perfectly without becoming soggy.

Orange Blossom Almond Tea Cookies, Made Easy

Step 1: Prep your oven and ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Measure out all your ingredients to streamline the process.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream butter and egg

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and then mix in the orange blossom water and orange zest until well combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until a soft dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky.

Step 5: Shape the cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie for garnish and extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden and the cookies are set but still soft in the middle. Avoid overbaking to maintain tenderness.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve alongside your favorite tea or store in an airtight container.

Fit It to Your Goals

• For a lighter cookie: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.
• Gluten sensitivity: These cookies are already mostly gluten-free thanks to almond flour; simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Extra citrus zing: Add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed orange juice to the wet ingredients for an added burst of flavor.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter alternatives.
• Nutty upgrade: Mix in finely chopped pistachios or walnuts along with almonds for extra texture.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern shortbreads, where almond flour and orange blossom water are beloved staples. The floral notes of orange blossom water add an elegant complexity that makes these cookies stand out from typical almond treats. Almond flour not only provides a tender crumb but also a natural moistness, eliminating the need for additional liquids. The combination of powdered sugar and all-purpose flour creates a delicate texture that’s just firm enough to hold together without being crumbly. Adding fresh orange zest brightens the flavor profile, balancing the buttery richness and floral essence with a fresh citrus punch.

Save It for Later

• Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well — store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, almond meal can be used, but the texture may be slightly coarser. Almond flour is finely ground and produces a more tender cookie, while almond meal is a bit chunkier and may change the cookie’s texture subtly.

What if I don’t have orange blossom water?

If you don’t have orange blossom water, you can substitute with a teaspoon of orange extract or a splash of orange juice. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but will still give a lovely citrus aroma.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper if stacking. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Since the recipe already includes almond flour, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Save & Share

If you tried these Orange Blossom Almond Tea Cookies and loved them, don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite collection and share it with your friends and family. It’s the perfect little treat for any occasion, and a beautiful way to bring a touch of elegance to your baking repertoire.

Enjoy the subtle floral aroma, the soft almond crumb, and the bright citrus burst in every bite. These cookies are sure to become a beloved staple for your tea time or whenever you crave something sweet but refined. Happy baking!

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