Amaretti Cookies: The Sweet History and Classic Italian Recipe
Amaretti cookies, with their crisp exterior and chewy, almond-packed interior, have their origins in Renaissance Italy, particularly in Lombardy and Piedmont. The name “amaretti” comes from the Italian word amaro, meaning “bitter.” This refers to the use of bitter almonds or apricot kernels in early recipes.
Originally, nuns and monks in convents and monasteries made these cookies using leftover almonds and egg whites. Over time, amaretti gained popularity across Italy and beyond, becoming a holiday and special-occasion treat. Their unique blend of sweet and slightly bitter flavors, paired with a light, airy texture, has made them a classic in Italian baking. Today, they inspire many regional twists and modern versions around the world.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour with the granulated sugar.
- 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.
- 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.
- Roll in confectioner's sugar: Place some confectioner’s sugar in a bowl or a plate (this is to roll the cookie balls into).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Since these cookies are naturally free from gluten and dairy, they’re a great option for people with dietary restrictions, but always double-check your ingredients to be sure.
Popular variations of amaretti cookies
Chocolate Amaretti:
Add cocoa powder to the dough or dip the baked cookies in melted dark chocolate. The combination of almond and chocolate gives them a rich, decadent twist.
Espresso Amaretti:
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-flavored variation. Perfect for coffee lovers!
Orange Zest Amaretti:
For a refreshing citrus flavor, incorporate finely grated orange zest into the dough. The bright citrus notes balance perfectly with the almond’s natural sweetness.
Pistachio Amaretti:
For a nutty variation, fold in finely chopped pistachios along with the almond flour. This gives a slightly earthy flavor and a lovely green color to the cookies.
Lemon Amaretti:
Add lemon zest and a few drops of lemon juice to the dough for a light, tangy version. This variation works well as a refreshing alternative during warmer months.
Cherry Amaretti:
Mix in dried cherries or a few spoonfuls of cherry jam for a fruity twist. The tart cherries pair beautifully with the sweet almond flavor.
Almond & Coconut Amaretti:
Blend in shredded coconut with the almond flour for a tropical flavor. This version adds a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp exterior.
Storage
Room Temperature:
Store your amaretti cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
If you want to prevent them from getting too soft, you can line the container with parchment paper to avoid direct contact.
Freezing:
Amaretti cookies freeze really well! To store them for longer periods, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For a crispier texture, you can pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to re-crisp.
Avoid Humidity:
Keep them in a cool, dry place. Amaretti cookies are sensitive to humidity, which can make them lose their crispiness.
