Name: Delicious Amaretti Cookies: Chewy Italian Sweetness Awaits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can swap for castor sugar); 2 cups Almond Meal (or ground blanched almonds); 4 large Egg Whites (yolks can be used for other recipes); 1 teaspoon Almond Essence (or Amaretto liquor for a twist); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for coating)

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The aroma hit me like a warm embrace as I walked through the bustling street markets in Italy, where the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air. That’s what inspired me to recreate these classic Amaretti cookies right in my own kitchen. These delightful Italian biscuits are not just naturally gluten-free; they are a simple yet elegant treat that brings joy to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a star for your holiday cookie platter, these chewy cookies deliver! Plus, they’re perfect to pair with your morning espresso or to surprise guests at festive gatherings. Have you ever thought about how easy it is to whip up a batch of homemade Amaretti cookies? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Have you tried making Amaretti cookies?

Simplicity at its finest: The method is straightforward, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Irresistible flavor: Each bite bursts with rich almond essence, creating a delightful symphony of taste.
Versatile options: With easy ingredient substitutions, you can customize these cookies to suit your pantry or preferences. Thinking of a twist? Consider incorporating a hint of citrus zest or even chocolate chips!
Perfect for sharing: These cookies are a hit at gatherings and make for thoughtful gifts, especially when paired with a nice cup of espresso or cappuccino. If you’re in the mood for more cookie inspiration, check out my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies or Cotton Candy Cookies for a festive touch.
Quick to prepare: In just over 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy!

Amaretti Cookies Ingredients

Unlock the secrets to perfect Amaretti cookies with these essential ingredients!

For the Dough

Granulated Sugar – This is your sweet foundation; feel free to swap in castor sugar for a finer texture.
Almond Meal – The star of the show, giving these cookies their rich almond flavor; substitute with ground blanched almonds if needed.
Egg Whites – Essential for that chewy texture; remember, four large egg whites will work perfectly, leaving you with yolks for other delights like creamy ice cream.
Almond Essence – Elevates the almond flavor; for a fun twist, try using Amaretto liquor instead!

For Dusting

Powdered Sugar – Adds the characteristic cracked surface you’ll love; dust generously, or omit if you prefer a smoother look.

Now that you have your Amaretti cookies ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part—baking these delightful treats!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Amaretti cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 340°F (170°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent the Amaretti cookies from sticking. Make sure the trays are spread out to allow for air circulation, which helps the cookies bake evenly and achieve a delightful golden brown edge.

Step 2: Sift the Sugar
Next, sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set it aside. This step is essential for achieving the characteristic cracked surface of the Amaretti cookies. As you sift, watch for any lumps in the sugar; breaking them up will ensure a smooth coating for your cookies later, enhancing their visual appeal.

Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, almond meal, egg whites, and almond essence. Stir everything together until the mixture begins to resemble coarse wet bread crumbs, showcasing the delightful texture you’ll love in your Amaretti cookies. This should take about 1-2 minutes of thorough mixing, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out a portion of the dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Aim for a size that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, as these will spread slightly during baking. Once formed, roll the ball gently in the sifted powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated for that iconic appearance.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Trays
Place the powdered sugar-coated balls on the lined trays, leaving enough space between each one for them to expand as they bake. Gently press down in the center of each ball with your fingers, creating a slight indentation that helps them develop their unique cracked tops while baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies, looking for golden edges and a cracked surface as the visual indicators that they are done. The sweet aroma of Amaretti cookies will fill your kitchen, tempting you to sneak a taste!

Step 7: Cool Completely
After baking, remove the trays from the oven and let the cookies cool on wire racks. Allow them to cool fully to firm up their texture and refine their chewy interior. This step usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but patience will reward you with the perfect Amaretti cookies to enjoy!

Expert Tips for Amaretti Cookies

Proper Egg Whites: Ensure you use fresh egg whites without any yolk because even a small amount of yolk can inhibit the binding quality of the cookies.
Consistent Mixing: Mix the dough just until it resembles coarse wet bread crumbs; over-mixing can lead to denser cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
Sift with Care: Sifting the powdered sugar helps achieve that beautiful cracked surface of the Amaretti cookies. Don’t skip this step!
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on wire racks; this step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy interior after baking.
Space Them Out: When placing the dough balls on the trays, remember to leave enough space for spreading. This prevents the cookies from merging during baking.

What to Serve with Classic Gluten-Free Amaretti Cookies

Indulging in these delightful Italian biscuits opens the door to a full culinary experience that’s both comforting and uplifting.

Rich Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso enhances the almond sweetness of the amaretti, creating a harmonious pairing.
Creamy Cappuccino: Frothed milk softens the cookie’s crunch, and the warmth of cappuccino complements the chewy texture delightfully.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a vibrant contrast in flavor and texture, making each bite refreshing and vibrant.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, coolness of vanilla ice cream balances the chewy texture of the cookies; plus, it’s a dreamy combination!
Dark Chocolate: Pair with bittersweet chocolate for an indulgent flavor profile. Dipping cookies in melted dark chocolate elevates the experience.
Citrus Zest: Grated lemon or orange zest can brighten the plate and enhance the cookies’ almond essence, creating a light and fragrant touch.
Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet dessert wine or a light Moscato brings out the flavors of the cookies beautifully, ideal for a festive occasion.
Nuts & Dried Fruits: A small platter offering almonds or dried figs alongside balances the sweetness and adds a delightful crunch.
Almond Milk: For a dairy-free option, the nutty flavor of almond milk matches perfectly with the Amaretti’s rich almond taste.

How to Store and Freeze Amaretti Cookies

Room Temperature: Store leftover Amaretti cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, keep the cookies in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for about a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: To extend their life, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking tray first, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Amaretti cookies, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to warm them without losing their chewy goodness.

Amaretti Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore and customize your Amaretti cookies to make them uniquely yours – let your creativity soar!

Nut-Free: Substitute almond meal with finely ground sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an allergen-friendly version.
Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in small chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a rich, chocolaty surprise.

Experimenting with citrus zest can give your cookies a delightful freshness. If you’re a chocolate lover, the added richness will surely take these cookies to a new level!

Amaretto Infusion: Replace almond essence with a splash of Amaretto liquor for a more pronounced depth of flavor.
Chai Spice: Add a teaspoon of chai spice or cinnamon for a cozy, warming touch that beautifully complements the almond.

These simple infusions can transform your cookies into a flavor journey. The Amaretto brings elegance, while the spices add a comforting warmth.

Vegan Option: Swap egg whites for aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) thrown into the mix to create that same chewy texture.
Savory Surprise: Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and introduce a delightful savory contrast in each bite.

If you’re exploring vegan options, aquafaba can work wonders, and for those wanting something different, the savory twist is surprising yet delightful!

Why not take your baking a step further? If you’re looking for more innovative cookie ideas, check out my delicious Mango Cookies Delightful for a fruity treat or try my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for a festive occasion!

Make Ahead Options

These Amaretti cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and forming the cookie balls but hold off on dusting them with powdered sugar until just before baking. Simply refrigerate the unbaked balls in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, preheat your oven, roll the chilled dough in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have fresh, chewy Amaretti cookies ready for your coffee break or holiday gathering with minimal effort!

Amaretti Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of almond meal should I use for Amaretti cookies?
I highly recommend using blanched almond meal for a smoother texture and richer flavor. If you can’t find almond meal, ground blanched almonds work perfectly as a substitute!

How should I store leftover Amaretti cookies?
To keep your Amaretti cookies delightful and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, if you place them in the fridge, they’ll last about a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before indulging!

Can I freeze Amaretti cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Amaretti cookies, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw them at room temperature!

Why are my Amaretti cookies not cracking properly?
If your cookies don’t develop the characteristic cracks, it could be due to a couple of reasons! Ensure you’ve mixed the dough just until it resembles coarse wet bread crumbs—overmixing can lead to denser cookies. Additionally, sifting the powdered sugar properly before dusting is crucial for that iconic cracked surface.

Are Amaretti cookies gluten-free?
Yes, these delicious Amaretti cookies are naturally gluten-free! They rely on almond meal instead of wheat flour. If you’re aware of any nut allergies among your guests, consider letting them know about the almond-based ingredients.