Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe

If you love the idea of a light, chewy treat that melts in your mouth with a delicate almond flavor, then you are going to adore this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe. These charming little cookies come from traditional Italian baking, and their simplicity is what makes them so irresistible. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these delightfully sweet and nutty cookies that have a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe welcomes everyone to enjoy a genuine taste of Italy at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe plays a vital role, keeping the cookies naturally flavorful, perfectly textured, and beautifully golden. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can focus on the freshness and quality, which truly shines through with this classic dessert.

• 2 cups almond flour: Provides that rich almond flavor and tender texture that’s the heart of these cookies.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• 2 large egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks, they bring lightness and structure without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the natural almond taste, giving the cookies an extra aromatic punch.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances the almond notes with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and keeps your palate interested.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a delicate crackled sugar crust that adds a delightful texture contrast.

How to Make Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’s properly heated for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This first step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This combination ensures every cookie will have an even burst of sweetness and that lovely nutty base without any lumps or uneven spots in texture.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means when you lift the beaters out of the bowl, the peaks stand straight up without collapsing. This airiness is essential to give the cookies their light, chewy structure.

Step 4: Fold Egg Whites Into Almond Mixture

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the almond flour mixture using a spatula. Take your time to mix carefully and avoid deflating all that fluffy air you’ve just whipped in. This folding step is all about keeping the batter light and airy.

Step 5: Add Extracts

Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract thoroughly. These two lovely flavors will mingle beautifully, ensuring every bite carries that signature almond sweetness and a hint of warmth from the vanilla.

Step 6: Form and Coat the Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls using your hands, then gently roll each ball in granulated sugar. This not only creates a charming sparkle on the outside but also forms a slightly crisp coating as the cookies bake.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the sugared dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is key because the cookies will spread slightly and you want each one to have room to bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes, until they are golden at the edges and show those signature small cracks on top. This indicates your cookies are perfectly baked with a delightful chewy center and crisp outer shell.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set properly and prevents any breakage when you move them. Plus, it builds anticipation as the sweet almond aroma fills your kitchen.

How to Serve Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top just before serving to add a touch of elegance and sweetness that melts in your mouth. For a pop of color and a gourmet touch, you could nestle a few toasted almond slices beside the cookies on the plate.

Side Dishes

These almond cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo, enhancing the nutty flavors and making your indulgence feel extra special. For a fresher contrast, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a tangy citrus salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe between scoops of vanilla gelato or mascarpone cream for an irresistible Italian-inspired dessert. You can also arrange them artfully on a wooden board with nuts, dried fruits, and cheeses for a stunning appetizer spread that gets everyone talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Amaretti cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their perfect texture. They will stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy little bites of Italy well after baking day.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a quick treat.

Reheating

To bring back a touch of the freshly baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their crisp edges and enhance that irresistible almond aroma.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is key to achieving the authentic texture and nutty flavor of Amaretti. Using regular flour will result in a very different cookie that’s less chewy and lacks that signature almond taste. To keep the cookies true to the Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe, stick to almond flour.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

While almond extract really amplifies the almond flavor, you can make the cookies without it. The almond flour itself provides plenty of nutty goodness. Adding a splash of vanilla extract alone will still give a delicious result.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

The egg whites are essential for the structure and texture, so this specific recipe isn’t vegan. However, there are alternative vegan recipes for Amaretti that use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a substitute for egg whites, which can offer a similar chewy texture.

Why do the cookies crack on top?

The cracking is a beautiful hallmark of the Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe and happens naturally as the cookies expand and bake. It adds to their rustic charm and crispy texture on the outside while keeping the centers soft.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these almond cookies will stay fresh and tasty for up to a week at room temperature. They also freeze well if you want to stock up and enjoy them over a longer period.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about a small batch of Easy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti) Recipe fresh from the oven. Their simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that feels both humble and luxurious at the same time. Once you try baking them yourself, I promise they will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So, go ahead and bring a little Italian sweetness into your day — your taste buds will thank you!

Print