Discover the sheer awesomeness of homemade Amaretti cookies. Originating from Italy, these golden treasures offer a deep almond flavor, a crunchy exterior, and a chewy interior.
Amaretti cookies, a golden gem of Italian patisserie, are characterized by their unique texture: delicately crispy on the outside and irresistibly chewy within. Originating in the Renaissance period in Saronno, a town near Milan, Amaretti cookies have a rich historical pedigree that adds to their charm.
Distinct from their French counterparts, the macarons, amaretti are known for their robust almond flavor and distinctive color. While French macarons are often recognized by their “feet” or frilly base, amaretti are more straightforward in their appearance, but just as delicious. Unlike macarons that are typically sandwiched with ganache or jam, amaretti are traditionally enjoyed plain, allowing their almond flavor to shine through (although, they have been known to be used to “sandwich” jelly, jam or custard on more than one occasion). 
Despite their simplicity, amaretti are incredibly versatile. They can be served on their own as an awesome accompaniment to coffee, or they can be incorporated into a myriad of dessert recipes, lending their unique texture and flavor to elevate many classic treats. I personally love them crumbled and sprinkled, simply, on top of a scoop of vanilla gelato.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350F. This ensures your oven is hot enough for the cookies to bake evenly and correctly.
Whip Egg Whites:
Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they form firm peaks. This is an essential step in achieving the light, airy texture characteristic of amaretti cookies.
Combine Ingredients:
Now, carefully fold in the sugar and almond flour to the whipped egg whites. Add the amaretto liquor at this stage. Don’t worry if your egg whites deflate a bit – they’re supposed to.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
Shape Your Cookies:
With a piping bag or a teaspoon, place mounds of dough on your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each mound for the cookies to spread while baking. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar.
Bake:
Place your cookies in the preheated oven and bake until golden brown. This should take about 15 minutes, but all ovens vary, so keep an eye on them.
Enjoy:
Allow your cookies to cool before enjoying them. These Italian treasures are perfect with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat.
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Italian Amaretti Cookies
- Yield: 50 cookies 1x
Description
Discover the delight of homemade Amaretti cookies. Originating from Italy, these golden treasures offer a deep almond flavor, a crunchy exterior, and a chewy interior.
Ingredients
- 350 g (3 cups) almond flour
- 350 g (1 1/2 cup) sugar
- 150 g (4 large) egg whites
- 40 ml (3 tbsp) amaretto liquor (or to taste)
- Powdered sugar, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350F. This ensures your oven is hot enough for the cookies to bake evenly and correctly.
- Whip Egg Whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they form firm peaks. This is an essential step in achieving the light, airy texture characteristic of amaretti cookies.
- Combine Ingredients: Now, carefully fold in the sugar and almond flour to the whipped egg whites. Add the amaretto liquor at this stage. Don’t worry if your egg whites deflate a bit – they’re supposed to.
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Shape Your Cookies: With a piping bag or a teaspoon, place mounds of dough on your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each mound for the cookies to spread while baking. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place your cookies in the preheated oven and bake until golden brown. This should take about 15 minutes, but all ovens vary, so keep an eye on them.
- Enjoy: Allow your cookies to cool before enjoying them. These Italian treasures are perfect with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat.
- Category: Baking
Hi!
I’ve been looking all over the internet for a recipe for these cookies, but I cannot get mine to puff up. They’re so runny, they all run together and are totally flat. Do you have any tips?
Thanks!
You have to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. You should be able to flip the bowl upside down and have nothing fall out. Blending your almond flour down and sifting it will help a ton.
I think you mean, you find them sandwiching jam or ganache :) A cookie sandwiched between jam or ganache would be quite a mess to eat! ;)
Does the dough hold up in the fridge? And for how long? Can you freeze the dough?
So amazing, tried today – turned out perfectly!
These came out exactly as they look in the photo, and they taste really wonderful. Thank you for a great recipe that I will make again and again and again.
Hellz Yez, fantastic recipe, kids absolutely loved it!
Who doesnt love amaretti cookies!!
Love amaretti, especially with coffee!