Amaretti Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Amaretti cookies are tender, chewy almond delights with a crisp exterior and a soft center. These classic Italian treats are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or serving alongside coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 500 grams almond flour (about 5 ¼ cups)
• 300 grams granulated sugar (about 1 ⅓ cups)
• 5 egg whites
• 1 ounce almond extract (approx 1 bottle, or you can use almond liqueur)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (to roll them in)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the 5 egg whites in a bowl and whisk until bubbles form.
2. Step 2: Add the almond extract or almond liqueur to the egg whites and whisk again to combine.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour and granulated sugar.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg white mixture into the almond flour and sugar bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: If the mixture feels wet or sticky, use your hands to combine and add a small amount of almond flour as needed.
6. Step 6: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl.
8. Step 8: Using your hands, form 1-inch balls from the chilled dough. If your hands get sticky, wet your palms or dip a finger in water to help.
9. Step 9: Roll each ball in the powdered sugar, shake off the excess, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Press each into a thick oval shape.
10. Step 10: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes until they are lightly browned on the edges.
11. Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra almond flavor, use almond liqueur instead of extract.
• If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more almond flour until manageable.
• Try dipping finished cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• To achieve a more crispy exterior, bake for a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid burning.

Storage

Store amaretti cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to two months. To refresh crispiness, warm them in the oven briefly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is essential for the authentic texture and flavor of amaretti cookies. Using regular flour will change the taste and texture significantly and is not recommended.

Do I need to use egg whites raw?

Yes, raw egg whites are used to give amaretti cookies their characteristic chewiness and help bind the ingredients. Ensure you use fresh eggs from a reliable source for safety.

Amaretti Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

Amaretti Cookies are traditional Italian almond-flavored cookies characterized by their chewy texture and crisp exterior. Made with almond flour, egg whites, and almond extract, these delightful cookies are rolled in powdered sugar and baked to golden perfection, offering a sweet and nutty treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 500 grams almond flour (about 5 ¼ cups)
• 300 grams granulated sugar (about 1 ⅓ cups)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)

Wet Ingredients

• 5 egg whites
• 1 ounce almond extract (approx 1 bottle, or substitute with almond liqueur)

Instructions

1. Whisk Egg Whites: Place the 5 egg whites in a bowl and whisk them until bubbles form, creating a light, frothy consistency.
2. Add Almond Extract: Pour in the almond extract or almond liqueur and whisk the mixture again to incorporate the flavor evenly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the almond flour and granulated sugar until well combined.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the egg white mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Thoroughly mix together until a dough starts to form.
5. Adjust Consistency: Use your hands to combine everything more evenly. If the dough feels too wet or sticky, add a small amount of almond flour until manageable.
6. Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight or for at least a few hours to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up.
7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, and place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl for coating.
8. Shape Cookies: Take portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. If the dough sticks to your hands, dip a finger in water to help.
9. Coat with Sugar and Shape: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, shaking off excess. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and gently press each ball down to form a thick oval shape.
10. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden brown.
11. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• For a stronger almond flavor, use almond liqueur instead of extract.
• If the dough is too sticky, adding a little more almond flour will help manageability.
• Dipping fingers in water while rolling helps prevent sticking without altering the dough.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• These cookies freeze well; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Amaretti Cookies, Almond Cookies, Italian Cookies, Gluten Free Cookies, Almond Flour Cookies, Traditional Italian Dessert