Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
If you adore the delicate crunch and soft, chewy interior of classic Italian treats, you’re going to be absolutely smitten with these Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti). Each bite offers a sweetly fragrant almond flavor, balanced with just a hint of vanilla, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire. With naturally gluten-free ingredients and a prep time of just 15 minutes, these cookies are the kind of homemade delight you’ll want to share with everyone you know—or maybe keep all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) is in their simplicity. With only a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient plays a starring role, from the almond flour that creates the signature chewy bite to the fragrant extracts that infuse every cookie with depth and warmth.
- Almond flour (2 cups): This is the heart of the recipe, giving the cookies that distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and balances the natural bitterness of the almonds for a perfect bite.
- Egg whites, large (2): Lightly whipped, they give the cookies lift and help them crackle beautifully in the oven.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp): Adds a vibrant, sweet almond essence that makes these cookies so irresistible.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just enough to sharpen and balance the sweetness without overpowering the cookie.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates that iconic, crackly finish and a light sweetness with every bite.
How to Make Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti)
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures you’ll have perfectly golden bottoms and zero sticky mess, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a gentle stir to make sure these base ingredients are evenly distributed, setting the stage for cookies that bake up tender and uniform every time.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat your egg whites until soft peaks form. You want them fluffy but not stiff—this is what gives the cookies their lightness and those classic craggy tops.
Step 4: Combine and Add the Extracts
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dry mix along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Take your time here—use a spatula and light, sweeping motions. The goal is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible for the perfect Amaretti texture.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Next, roll each ball lightly in powdered sugar to coat. This not only adds sweetness but also helps develop those eye-catching cracks as the cookies bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the sugar-dusted dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are a delicate golden color and the tops are attractively cracked but still pale. For a chewier texture, err on the side of underbaking. Let the cookies cool completely before indulging—they’ll firm up as they rest!
How to Serve Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti)
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, you can dust the cooled cookies with a little extra powdered sugar or even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds. This adds visual appeal and an extra hint of almondy goodness that’s sure to impress any guest.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cup of espresso or your favorite after-dinner liqueur. Try pairing with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a classic Italian-inspired dessert plate that feels both simple and special.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) onto a beautiful serving platter and tie them in parchment bundles for gifting. For a festive approach, fill a tin with layers separated by wax paper and include a hand-written recipe card—instant homemade gifting magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) at their best, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll maintain their chewy centers and crisp edges, staying irresistible for days (if they last that long!).
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, simply freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw at room temperature in about 15 minutes, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, you can revive them in a pinch by heating them in a 275°F oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp exterior without drying out the chewy interior, restoring that just-baked goodness.
FAQs
Are Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) gluten-free?
Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, thanks to the use of almond flour instead of wheat flour. That makes them ideal for anyone looking to avoid gluten without sacrificing flavor or texture!
Can I use whole almonds instead of almond flour?
You can, but you’ll need to grind them finely—just be sure the texture closely matches almond flour. Any larger pieces can change the cookie’s signature texture, so take your time for the best results.
Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?
Overbeaten egg whites or warm dough can cause spreading. Try chilling your dough balls briefly before rolling them in powdered sugar and baking, especially if your kitchen runs warm.
Do I really need both almond and vanilla extract?
Absolutely! Almond extract is key to that strong, marzipan-like flavor, but a dash of vanilla rounds everything out. Skipping the vanilla will make the cookies taste a bit one-note, so don’t leave it out if you can help it.
Can I double the recipe?
Easily! This dough doubles (or even triples) beautifully, so feel free to scale up for parties and cookie swaps. Just use separate bowls for beating egg whites if you’re making a really large batch to keep them fluffy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti), you’ll understand why they’ve long been a staple in Italian kitchens. They’re simple, elegant, and absolutely packed with flavor—perfect for sharing or for savoring solo with your favorite hot drink. So pull out the almond flour and treat yourself to a homemade batch soon—you’re going to fall in love with every bite.
Print
Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Italian Almond Cookies, known as Amaretti, are a delightful gluten-free treat with a chewy interior and a crisp exterior. Perfect for any occasion, these simple cookies are bursting with almond flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Beat egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold the egg whites into the dry ingredients along with the almond and vanilla extracts until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat lightly in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
