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Buy Now โIf youโre looking for a classic Italian treat with a chewy texture and rich almond flavor, these Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies are perfect! Made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, these cookies are naturally gluten-free and have a delicate balance of sweetness and nuttiness. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
- Keywords: amaretti cookies, Italian almond cookies, soft amaretti, gluten-free cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour ๐ฐ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ๐
- 2 large egg whites ๐ฅ
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ๐
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ๐ฆ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ๐ง
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling) ๐
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 325ยฐF (160ยฐC).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk almond flour, sugar, and salt together.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond flour mixture.
- Add almond and vanilla extracts, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon) and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Helpful Tips Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies
- Perfect Texture: Beating the egg whites to soft peaks gives the cookies their signature chewy texture.
- Extra Almond Flavor: Use high-quality almond flour for the best taste.
- Storage Tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Conservation and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for 5 minutes for a fresh taste.
Variations Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies
- Lemon Amaretti: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate.
- Crunchier Version: Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes for a crispier texture.
Serving Suggestions Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies
- With Espresso: Pair with a shot of espresso for an authentic Italian experience.
- With Gelato: Serve alongside vanilla or pistachio gelato.
- Holiday Treat: Perfect for gifting during the holidays in a decorative tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, almond flour is essential for the authentic amaretti texture.
Can I use store-bought egg whites?
Yes, but fresh egg whites provide better structure when whipped.
Too much moisture or under-whipped egg whites can cause excess spreading.
Conclusion Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies
These Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies ๐ฎ๐น are a delightful, chewy almond treat with a crisp outer layer. Easy to make and naturally gluten-free, they are perfect for any occasion. Try different variations and enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite!
PrintItalian Soft Amaretti Cookies ๐ฎ๐น Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 325ยฐF (160ยฐC).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond flour mixture.
- Add almond and vanilla extracts, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon) and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment
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Buy Now โNotes
- Perfect Texture: Beating the egg whites to soft peaks gives the cookies their signature chewy texture.
- Extra Almond Flavor: Use high-quality almond flour for the best taste.
- Storage Tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for 5 minutes for a fresh taste.