These soft and chewy Moroccan-style chocolate almond cookies are delicately piped, baked until tender, and sandwiched with a luscious dark chocolate ganache. A beautiful tea-time or holiday treat featuring rich texture and deep cocoa flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These ghriba cookies offer an elegant combination of chewy almond dough and decadent chocolate ganache. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with rich cocoa notes makes them a memorable treat for guests or a sophisticated addition to your dessert table. Plus, they’re gluten-free and surprisingly easy to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

2 cups almond flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder

For the chocolate filling:

½ cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
¼ cup heavy cream
½ tsp butter (optional, for shine)

directions

Preheat oven to 325 °F (160 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Add egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe small swirls onto the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake 12–14 minutes or until cookies are just set. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare ganache: heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let stand 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter if using.
Spoon or pipe ganache onto the flat side of half the cookies, then sandwich with remaining cookies.
Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 sandwich cookies (depends on piping size)
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Assembly and chilling: 15 minutes
Total time: Around 45 minutes

Variations

Nut choice: Substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate flavor: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate ganache for lighter sweetness.
Add-ins: Fold in finely chopped nuts or orange zest into the dough for added texture and aroma.
Spices: Mix in ¼ tsp cinnamon or cardamom into the almond-cocoa dough for warmth and depth.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free dark chocolate and a plant-based cream alternative.

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze sandwich cookies (layered with parchment) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving tip: Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the ganache for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent cookies from cracking?

Pipe the dough gently—overfilled piping bags can result in excessive pressure, causing cracks.

Can I skip piping and spoon the dough instead?

Yes. Use a spoon to drop small mounds, but note the cookies won’t have the same swirled design.

What chocolate is best for ganache?

Use good-quality dark chocolate (60–70 % cocoa solids) for smooth, rich results.

Why add butter to the ganache?

A small amount of butter enhances shine and gives a silkier texture to the filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes—make the dough, pipe onto trays, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.

My ganache is too thick—how to fix it?

Warm gently and whisk in a splash of cream to achieve a smoother consistency.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes—using almond flour makes them naturally gluten-free.

Can I use egg substitute for vegan cookies?

Yes—try aquafaba (chickpea liquid), but texture may vary slightly.

How do I keep cookies chewy?

Do not overbake; remove them when just set to maintain a tender bite.

Can I add coloring to the dough?

Yes—use natural food coloring or beet powder for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Moroccan Chocolate Almond Ghriba Sandwich Cookies combine elegance, flavor, and simplicity into a gluten-free delight. With tender almond cocoa shells and velvety ganache centers, they’re perfect for special occasions and everyday indulgence alike. Let me know if you’d like drink pairings or additional presentation ideas!