Amaretti Cookies are classic Italian almond cookies that are crisp on the outside with a chewy, soft interior. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including almond flour and egg whites, these cookies are gluten-free and packed with a delightful almond flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of espresso, as a holiday treat, or simply as a light dessert, Amaretti Cookies are sure to impress with their unique texture and sweet, nutty taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour (blanched almond meal)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Whip the egg whites:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the dough:
- Gently fold in the granulated sugar, almond flour, almond extract, and vanilla extract (if using) into the egg whites. Stir until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Shape the cookies:
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat them. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden on the edges but still soft in the center. The cookies should develop cracks on the surface, which is characteristic of Amaretti Cookies.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delicious Amaretti Cookies with your favorite beverage, or package them up for a lovely homemade gift!
