This post may contain affiliate links.
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights: Amaretti Cookies
Cuisine: Italian
Flavor Profile: Sweet and nutty with a soft, chewy texture
Skill Level: Easy to make with a simple ingredient list
Why You’ll Love Amaretti Cookies
What are Amaretti?
Ingredients
- Almond flour: The base of the cookies that provides a naturally nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the almond flavor.
- Egg whites: Helps bind the dough and gives the cookies their chewy texture.
- Almond extract: Optional but enhances the almond flavor for a more aromatic cookie.
- Powdered sugar: Used for coating the cookies, giving them a pretty, snowy finish.
How to Make Amaretti Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Mix the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Then, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour and granulated sugar. Set aside.
Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites and Form Dough
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they are foamy and reach soft peaks.
This step is crucial for giving the cookies their light texture. Then, add the almond extract at this stage if you’re using it and mix until combined.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites using a spatula. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough may be slightly sticky, but that’s normal.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Wet your hands with water to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Next, dip each ball into the powdered sugar, coating it thoroughly.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the tops are slightly cracked.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Recipe Tips
- Use High-Quality Almond Flour: For the best texture and flavor, use finely ground almond flour.
- Don’t Skip Beating the Egg Whites: Properly beaten egg whites are key to achieving the cookies’ signature chewy texture.
- Wet Your Hands: Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands while rolling the dough. This prevents sticking and makes the process smoother.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be slightly underbaked to maintain their chewy center. Remove them from the oven as soon as the tops crack.
- No Almond Extract? No Problem: While almond extract enhances the flavor, it’s optional. The almond flour alone provides plenty of flavor.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the dough as instructed in the recipe, then wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let the dough come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before shaping and baking the cookies.
Alternatively, you can pre-shape the cookies and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This is a great way to prepare for events or have cookies ready on demand!
Serving Suggestions
How to Store Amaretti Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Unfortunately, almond flour is essential to this recipe and cannot be substituted. It gives the cookies their distinct texture and flavor.
Flat cookies may result from under-beating the egg whites. Make sure to whip them to soft peaks for the best results.
Yes! These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container and enjoy whenever you’re ready.
No, this dough doesn’t require chilling, which makes the recipe quick and convenient.
Other Great Cookie Recipes to ENjoy
Persian Recipes
Persian Raisin Cookies (Shirini Keshmeshi)
Cookies and bars
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Cookies and bars
Maple Oatmeal Cookies (No Chill)
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!
Amaretti Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond flour
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Egg whites
- ½ tsp Almond extract
- ½ cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour and granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they are foamy and reach soft peaks. Add the almond extract at this stage 9if using) and mix until combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites using a spatula. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Wet your hands with water to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Dip each ball into the powdered sugar, coating it thoroughly.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
