Amaretti cookies, known for their crisp exterior and chewy, almond-rich interior, have roots that trace back to Renaissance Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. Their name comes from the Italian word amaro, meaning “bitter,” a nod to the use of bitter almonds or apricot kernels in the original recipes. These cookies were traditionally made by nuns and monks in convents and monasteries, who crafted them as a way to use leftover almonds and egg whites. Over time, amaretti became popular throughout Italy and beyond, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. The delicate balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors, along with their light texture, has made amaretti a beloved classic in Italian baking, inspiring many regional variations and modern adaptations worldwide.

Italian amaretti cookies, a cherished treat in Italian cuisine, encompass a classic almond-based recipe composed of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. Surprisingly straightforward to prepare, these Italian almond cookies masterfully achieve the ideal balance of crispy exteriors and tender, chewy centers. Moreover, these cookies inherently possess the qualities of being dairy-free and gluten-free, appealing to a wider range of dietary preferences. Their delightful characteristics make them an excellent choice for Christmas cookies, adding a touch of festivity to the holiday season.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar (coating)
  • 2 large egg whites (room temp) 50ml
  • 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly coating it with baking spray.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour with the granulated sugar.
  3. In a spacious bowl, whisk together the egg whites and salt until they reach a soft peak consistency. You have the option to employ an electric mixer, a hand whisk, or even a fork for this step. Gradually and delicately incorporate the almond extract into the mixture while continuing to whisk.
  4. To create the dough, gradually introduce the almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites, adding it in portions. Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon after each addition. Although the dough may initially appear dry, continue stirring. Due to its gluten-free nature, there is no risk of developing tough cookies from overmixing. In fact, you can even use your hands to bring the dough together, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
  5. Roll in confectioner's sugar: Place some confectioner’s sugar in a bowl or a plate (this is to roll the cookie balls into).
  6. Take a bowl or a plate and pour a generous amount of confectioner's sugar into it. This will serve as the coating for rolling the cookie dough balls.
  7. Using a tablespoon, spoon, or small scoop, extract portions of the dough and use your hands to shape them into small balls. Keep in mind that the dough can be quite sticky, so it might be helpful to apply baking spray to your hands or lightly dust them with confectioner's sugar to facilitate the rolling process.
  8. Take each cookie ball and thoroughly coat it with the confectioner's sugar, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Once coated, place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, arranging them evenly with some spacing in between.
  9. Gently press down on the cookie balls to flatten them slightly. It is expected that some cracks may appear on the sides, which is perfectly fine. Proceed to bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. During baking, the cookies will experience slight rising and develop cracks. Ensure that they turn a lovely golden brown color without being overbaked. While the cookies will still be slightly soft, it is crucial that they exhibit the desired golden brown hue on both the top and bottom surfaces. Allow the cookies to cool completely by setting them aside.