Amaretti Cookies Recipe
These classic Amaretti Cookies are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, made with almond flour and a hint of almond extract for a rich, nutty flavor. Perfect as an elegant treat to accompany coffee or tea, these delicate Italian cookies are naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 40 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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; alternatively, almond liqueur can be used)
- Whisk Egg Whites: Place the 5 egg whites in a clean bowl and whisk them until bubbles just start to form.
- Add Almond Extract: Pour in the almond extract or almond liqueur into the whisked egg whites. Whisk again to fully incorporate the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the almond flour and granulated sugar together thoroughly.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the egg white mixture into the almond flour and sugar bowl. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Knead the Dough: If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, use your hands to knead in a small amount of almond flour until a workable dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight or for at least a few hours to let it firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and place 4 cups of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl for rolling.
- Shape Cookies: Form 1-inch balls of dough using your hands. If the dough sticks to your hands, dip your finger in water and wet your palms to prevent sticking.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, shaking off any excess. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets and gently press each ball down into a thick oval shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown on the edges.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, substitute almond extract with almond liqueur.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, add more almond flour a tablespoon at a time.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whisking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to encourage even baking.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free due to the almond flour base.
Keywords: Amaretti, almond cookies, Italian cookies, gluten free cookies, almond flour cookie, traditional Italian dessert