Italy Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti cookies are traditional Italian almond cookies with a chewy center and a crisp exterior, originating from Lombardy and Piedmont. Their name derives from the Italian word amaro, meaning "bitter," as they were historically made with bitter almonds or apricot kernels. Amaretti are a symbol of Italian hospitality and are often served with coffee or dessert wine. These cookies are versatile, sometimes used as an ingredient in desserts like tiramisu or crumbled over gelato. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, amaretti are simple yet elegant treats enjoyed during celebrations or as an everyday indulgence.
Recipe Servings: 24
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) almond flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ tsp (2 ml) almond extract
- ¼ tsp (1 ml) vanilla extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the almond flour mixture until a sticky dough forms. Add the almond extract and vanilla extract (if using) and mix until fully incorporated.
- Using a spoon or your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Lightly flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, use a few drops of bitter almond extract in place of regular almond extract.
- Store amaretti cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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