If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that’s perfectly crisp on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside, then you absolutely must try this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe. These charming little treats pack the pure essence of almonds in every bite, offering a light sweetness and a subtle hint of vanilla and almond extract that make them completely irresistible. Perfect for any time you crave something sweet yet not overpowering, these cookies are simple to make but deliver a stunningly authentic taste straight from the heart of Italy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance for these delightful cookies. The list is straightforward but mighty, making it easy for you to whip up a batch anytime you want.
- 2 cups almond flour: Provides that signature nutty flavor and chewy texture essential to amaretti cookies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb in the cookie.
- 2 large egg whites: The binder that lends structure and helps create the cookie’s characteristic airy bite.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Amplifies the almond flavor, taking these cookies to the next level.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle background warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a delightful crust on the cookie exterior when baked.
How to Make Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and will come off the pan with ease after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This dry mix forms the base of your cookie dough and will give your amaretti their nutty depth and sweetness.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This aeration is vital—it gives your cookies their tender, light chew while also helping to bind the ingredients together naturally.
Step 4: Fold Egg Whites into Dry Mix
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into your almond flour mixture. Take care to fold carefully to avoid deflating the egg whites too much, which could affect the texture of your cookies.
Step 5: Add Flavors
Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These extracts infuse the cookies with traditional Italian flavors that make this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe so special.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Form the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar so each cookie has a sparkling sugar coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Arrange and Bake
Place the sugar-coated balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one for spreading. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden around the edges and showing slight cracks on top—this signals a perfect bake.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set with the ideal texture—crispy on the outside and chewy within.
How to Serve Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving or top each cookie with a slivered almond for an extra touch of elegance and crunch. These small details make a big difference when sharing with friends or family.
Side Dishes
These almond cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a dessert wine like Vin Santo, complementing each other perfectly for a traditional Italian dolce experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your amaretti alongside bowls of fresh fruit or mascarpone cream for dipping. You can also stack them on a decorative plate lined with parchment and tied with twine as a charming edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will preserve their crispness and chewiness nicely.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers separated by parchment paper. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If you prefer your amaretti warm, gently reheat them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes their delightful texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Traditional amaretti rely on almond flour for their unique flavor and texture; using regular flour will change both significantly and is not recommended.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Since they use almond flour instead of wheat flour, this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Egg whites are key to the traditional chewy texture, so replacing them could be tricky. Some vegan substitutes exist, but results may vary.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape into balls.
Why do my amaretti cookies crack on top?
The cracking is a classic sign of properly baked amaretti and adds to their charming rustic look. It happens because of the sugar coating and the drying of the dough while baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe enough if you’re looking for a simple yet exquisite treat to make at home. The way these cookies balance a tender chew with a delicate almond flavor feels like a small celebration in every bite. Whip up a batch and share them with your loved ones—you’ll quickly see why they are such a beloved classic!
Print
Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Italian Almond Cookies, also known as Amaretti, are light, chewy, and bursting with almond flavor. Made with almond flour, egg whites, and a hint of almond and vanilla extracts, these cookies are rolled in sugar for a delicate, crispy exterior. Perfect for a gluten-free treat or an elegant accompaniment to coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This adds lightness and structure to the cookies.
- Fold Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond flour mixture, taking care not to deflate the airiness of the egg whites.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until the dough is fully combined and fragrant.
- Shape Cookies: Form the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they develop a golden hue around the edges and have slightly cracked tops.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully, ensuring they set with the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for the best texture.
- You can substitute almond extract with orange blossom water for a different aroma.
- The cookies will firm up more as they cool; avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 1 week.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and perfect for a low-carb dessert option.
