Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and optional orange zest. Stir until mixed.

Beat the egg whites and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until thick and stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the dry ingredients using a spatula until a sticky dough forms.

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Coat with sliced almonds if using.

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between each one.

Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until golden brown around the edges but pale in the center.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes.

Dust with powdered sugar once cooled, if desired.