Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
If you have a craving for something tender, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet, then this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These delightful little cookies boast a crisp exterior giving way to a chewy, almond-rich center that melts in your mouth. They’re incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, yet each bite feels like a little celebration of authentic Italian baking tradition. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these amaretti bring warmth and charm to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe truly special is its reliance on simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor, making the baking process straightforward and enjoyable.
- 2 cups almond flour: The heart of these cookies, providing that unmistakable almond flavor and moist texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookies.
- 2 large egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks, they give the cookies their airy, chewy interior.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the natural almond flavor for an authentic taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the almond notes.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a crunchy, sugary coating that makes each cookie sparkle.
How to Make Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for your cookies to bake evenly and develop their iconic golden edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This mixture not only gives the cookies their signature nutty sweetness but also ensures the salt is evenly distributed to highlight every flavor note.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the egg whites hold their shape firmly without collapsing. These fluffy whites will lighten the dough, giving your amaretti that perfect chewy texture inside.
Step 4: Fold Egg Whites into Dry Mixture
Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the almond mixture with care not to deflate them. This folding technique helps keep the batter airy, ensuring your cookies turn out light and tender rather than dense.
Step 5: Add Flavors
Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until fully combined. These extracts infuse the dough with rich, aromatic notes that make the cookies smell heavenly and taste irresistible.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Form the dough into small, roughly 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until well coated. This step adds a delicate crunch and a sparkling finish that makes these cookies visually delightful and adds texture contrast.
Step 7: Arrange and Bake
Place your sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give each cookie room to spread slightly. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color and the tops develop those classic cracks that amaretti are known for.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set properly and makes moving them easier without breaking.
How to Serve Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider garnishing amaretti with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few slivered almonds delicately placed on top before baking. These small touches add a lovely visual contrast and a hint of extra almond crunch.
Side Dishes
Amaretti cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine like vin santo. Their nutty sweetness beautifully complements coffee’s bold bitterness or wine’s fruity floral notes, making any snack break a moment to savor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these almond cookies alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a simple yet stunning dessert plate. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of chocolate ganache or lemon curd for a delightful twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, perfect for enjoying a treat throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive their crisp edges and warm softness, pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes before serving. This simple step refreshes their texture and aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Almond flour is essential for that characteristic nutty flavor and chewy texture in amaretti, so substituting with regular flour will change the taste and texture significantly. If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground almonds could be an alternative.
How do I know when the egg whites have reached stiff peaks?
When beating egg whites, stop when the peaks stand straight up without folding over upon lifting the beaters. This stage ensures air is trapped inside, making your cookies light and airy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour. Just double-check your almond flour to be sure it’s processed in a gluten-free facility if you have a strict allergy.
Are amaretti cookies supposed to be crunchy or chewy?
The classic amaretti cookie has a crisp outer shell with a delectably chewy and moist center. This recipe captures that perfect balance, giving you a delightful texture contrast in every bite.
Can I add chocolate or other flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! You can experiment by folding in mini chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or even a pinch of cinnamon to create variations. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid, which could alter the dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making and sharing Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe. The simplicity of ingredients combined with the rewarding outcome makes it a joy to bake, whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re little bites of Italy’s charm and tradition that you can enjoy anytime. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
Print
Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Italian Almond Cookies, also known as Amaretti, are delightfully chewy treats with a crisp exterior, infused with almond and vanilla extracts for an authentic Italian flavor. Perfect for a light dessert or snack, they are simple to make with just a few ingredients and require no yeast or complex preparation.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, ensuring they are airy and stable for folding.
- Fold In Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture, doing so carefully to maintain the airiness without deflating the whites.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until the dough is fully combined and fragrant.
- Form and Coat Balls: Shape the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat the exterior evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies have developed a golden edge and display a slightly cracked top.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling and to prevent breakage.
Notes
- Make sure to beat the egg whites to stiff peaks for the best texture and rise.
- Do not overmix when folding the egg whites into the almond mixture to keep the cookies light and airy.
- Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a crispy texture and a delicate sweetness.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Optional: Press an almond or a small piece of pistachio on top before baking for added decoration and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
