Italian Almond Paste Cookies (Almond Macaroons)

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 2

Break up the almond paste into 1 inch pieces and put it in the bowl of a food processor. Add the sugar, salt, egg whites, and almond extract and process until a smooth paste forms. The dough will be wet and sticky, but you will be able to roll it into balls between your hands.

Step 3

Chill the dough for 1 hour or up to 3 days.

Step 4

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into 1 inch balls, about 25 grams each.

Step 5

Press almond slices onto the sides of the cookie. The stickiness of the dough will help the nuts stick.

Step 6

Place on a parchment lined baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake until the bottom edges are starting to turn golden, about 15-18 minutes. Don’t overbake.

Step 7

Cool on a rack.

Step 8

Optional: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar.