Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookie Recipe (Amaretti)

Soft and chewy Italian almond cookies, known as Amaretti, are a delightful treat that brings a touch of Italy to your dessert table. These cookies are not only simple to make but burst with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is a classic that’s hard to resist. I’ve had my fair share of cookies, but the soft, chewy texture and the sweet almond aroma of these Amaretti make them stand out every time.

What Makes This Recipe Special

So, why should you make these Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookies? For starters, they are incredibly quick to prepare, so even novice bakers can impress their friends and family. The combination of egg whites and almond flour creates a texture that is both chewy and slightly crispy on the outside—genuinely irresistible! Perfect for a weekday treat or a special occasion, these cookies shine during holidays such as Christmas or Easter.

"I made these Amaretti for a family gathering, and they were a huge hit! The combination of the chewy center and crunchy almond topping was divine!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

To whip up these delectable cookies, you’ll find it’s a straightforward process that requires minimal time from start to finish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Begin by preheating your oven, and while it warms up, prepare your ingredients and mixing bowls.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 large (100 g) egg whites, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 cups (300 g) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup flaked almonds, for rolling
• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, for dusting on top

Note: If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use flavored extracts like vanilla for a unique twist, but almond extract truly captures the essence of these cookies.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk them well until blended.

3. Whip the Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form. This should take about 2 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.

4. Incorporate the Ingredients: Gently fold in the almond extract and then the dry mixture into the egg whites. Mix until you have a thick batter that resembles almond paste.

5. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough (about 1-inch rounds). Roll each portion into a ball between your hands.

6. Coat with Almonds: Pour the flaked almonds into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the almonds until fully coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake: Slightly flatten each cookie with your finger and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until set with a golden bottom.

8. Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then dust with powdered sugar before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Best Way to Serve

These cookies shine on their own but can be paired with a rich espresso, a dollop of whipped cream, or even alongside a scoop of gelato. You might even consider serving them on a lovely platter for a stunning dessert display that is sure to impress guests at a dinner party.

Storage Tips

To keep your Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the cookies for later enjoyment. Just ensure they’re properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Pro Chef Tips

• Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping. This helps them achieve maximum volume and stability.
• Avoid Over-whipping: When whisking the egg whites, stop once you see stiff peaks. Over-whipping can result in a dry texture.
• Uniform Sizing: Use a digital kitchen scale to make sure the cookie portions are uniform. This ensures even baking and a consistent texture.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative! You can spice things up by adding a touch of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for a refreshing flavor. For a nut-free version, consider using oat flour, though it will change the texture slightly.

Your Questions Answered

How long do Amaretti cookies stay fresh?

Amaretti cookies will typically remain fresh for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I replace almond flour with regular flour?

Using regular flour will alter the texture and flavor. Almond flour is what gives these cookies their unique chewiness and rich nutty flavor.

Are there any dietary swaps for this recipe?

For a gluten-free option, almond flour is inherently gluten-free. However, always check the packaging to ensure it’s processed in a gluten-free facility.

Try your hand at making these delicious Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookies! With their delightful flavor and texture, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household.

Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti)

---

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful soft and chewy Italian almond cookies, bursting with rich almond flavor, perfect for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large (100 g) egg whites, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 cups (300 g) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup flaked almonds, for rolling
• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, for dusting on top

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk until blended.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites on high until stiff peaks form (about 2 to 4 minutes).
4. Gently fold in the almond extract, then the dry mixture into the egg whites until a thick batter forms.
5. Portion out the dough into 1-inch rounds and roll each into a ball.
6. Roll each dough ball in flaked almonds until fully coated, then place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. Slightly flatten each cookie and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until set with a golden bottom.
8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can be frozen for later enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: amaretti, almond cookies, Italian cookies, dessert, snacks