Citrus Almond Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + chilling Bake: 15 min./batch + cooling

Makes

6 dozen

Updated: Jan. 25, 2023
These frosted goodies were a "must" every Christmas in my mother's family. I think the blend of milk chocolate, toasted almonds, lemon and orange is cookie perfection.
Citrus Almond Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 cups unblanched almonds, toasted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 4 teaspoons water

Directions

  1. Place almonds in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. In a large bowl, combine the almonds, sugar, chocolate and cinnamon; set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest and extracts until combined. Gradually add to almond mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
  3. Preheat oven to 325°. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until bottoms are lightly browned, 12-15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, extracts and enough water to achieve spreading consistency. Spread over cooled cookies. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 83 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.