Description
This easy Italian almond cookies recipe yields soft and delightful amaretti, perfect for almond lovers. Made with simple ingredients like almond flour and egg whites, these traditional Italian cookies are lightly sweetened, gluten free, and feature a tender, chewy texture with a subtle almond aroma. Ideal for holiday baking or any time you crave a delicate treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 2 cups almond flour
For Coating
- Icing sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Beat Egg Whites: Transfer the egg whites and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Alternatively, use a whisk to achieve this consistency by hand.
- Add Extracts: Add the almond extract and vanilla extract to the beaten egg whites and mix well. If the almond scent is subtle, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to intensify the flavor.
- Incorporate Sugar and Almond Flour: Stir in the white sugar until fully combined. Then add the almond flour and gently fold it in with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Pour icing sugar into a shallow plate. Using heaped tablespoons (about 25 grams each), scoop dough and roll into small balls between your hands, roughly the size of a small walnut.
- Coat with Icing Sugar: Roll each ball thoroughly in the icing sugar to coat evenly, then transfer balls to the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them slightly with your fingers.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, ensuring they do not brown to maintain their soft texture.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to preserve freshness.
Notes
- These amaretti cookies are naturally gluten free, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- If you want a stronger almond flavor, adjust the almond extract intensity to preference.
- To make shaping easier, slightly dampen your hands to prevent dough from sticking.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain soft and not brown.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep cookies fresh and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 49 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
