Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies: Crispy, Chewy, and Irresistible
Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies are a must-try! These traditional Italian cookies are a delight to make with their crisp outer shell, soft, chewy center, and deep almond aroma. And the best part? They’re naturally gluten-free and made with simple ingredients: almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and almond extract.
Whether you enjoy them with espresso, dip them in dessert wine, or gift them during the holidays, Amaretti cookies are a timeless Italian delicacy that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, no wheat flour needed.
- Simple Ingredients: Only five key ingredients, all pantry staples.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
- Deliciously Almond-Flavored: Almond flour and extract create an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies store well and make beautiful homemade gifts.
Pro Tips for the Best Amaretti Cookies
- Use Fresh Almond Flour: Ensure your almond flour is finely ground and fresh for the best texture.
- Don’t Overbeat the Egg Whites: Soft peaks are ideal—overbeating will dry the cookies.
- Adjust the Texture: For crispier cookies, bake a few extra minutes.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Let Them Cool Before Eating: The texture improves as they cool, so be patient!
- For Extra Flavor: A bit of lemon zest or Amaretto liqueur adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: The classic Italian way—enjoy with espresso or cappuccino.
- Dipped in Dessert Wine: Traditionally paired with Vin Santo or Moscato.
- Crumbled Over Ice Cream: Adds a delightful almond crunch.
- As a Gift: Package them in a tin or decorative box for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Storing and Freezing
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer freshness, store in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Freezing:
- Before baking, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding two extra minutes to the baking time.
- After Baking: Store baked cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQs About Amaretti Cookies
1. Are Amaretti Cookies Always Gluten-Free?
Yes! Traditional Amaretti cookies are naturally gluten-free because they are made with almond flour instead of wheat flour.
2. Can I Use Whole Almonds Instead of Almond Flour?
Yes! Grind blanched almonds in a food processor until fine, but be careful not to turn them into almond butter.
3. Why Are My Cookies Too Hard?
Overbaking can make them too crispy. Try baking for a shorter time if you prefer a chewier center.
4. Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! This recipe is already dairy-free, making it a great option for everyone, including lactose-intolerant people.
5. What’s the Difference Between Amaretti Cookies and Macarons?
While both are made with almond flour and egg whites, Amaretti cookies are denser and more rustic, whereas French macarons have a delicate meringue-like shell.
Conclusion
Italian Amaretti Cookies are a simple and elegant deli treat. Their crispy exterior, chewy center, and intense almond flavor make them a must-have for any cookie lover. Whether served with coffee or wine or enjoyed as a snack, these naturally gluten-free cookies are bound to impress.
Bake a batch today, and experience a little taste of Italy in every bite!
Easy Homemade Italian Cookies Recipe (Amaretti)
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 - large egg whites at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chip
- Confectioners' sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C)—line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites for a few minutes.
- Add sugar, vanilla, and almond flour to the egg whites. Continue folding until you have a smooth, consistent batter.
- Scoop out small portions of the batter and roll them into balls. Roll the balls in confectioners' sugar to coat them lightly. About 20 to 24 balls
- Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press the cookies in the middle with your fingers and add some chocolate chips.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden brown on the bottom but still soft inside.
- Allow the Italian cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, your Italian biscuits are ready to be enjoyed. They have a delicious almond flavor and a chewy, slightly crispy texture.