Bring a little taste of Italy into your kitchen with these heavenly Amaretti Cookies! Each bite is a delightful blend of almond richness, chewy-in-the-center texture, and a sparkling dusting of powdered sugar that hits all the right notes—sweet, nutty, and just a little sophisticated. Whether you’re craving the perfect gluten-free dessert or a charming cookie to serve with coffee, Amaretti Cookies deliver simple elegance and big flavor every single time. You’ll fall in love with how effortless these are to whip up, and how addictively delicious they become the moment you take your first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, you’re about to make authentic Amaretti Cookies that taste like they came straight from an Italian pasticceria. Each ingredient matters, bringing its own special touch to the party—from that signature almond taste to the snowy finish. Here’s what you need and why:
- Almond flour: This is the heart and soul of Amaretti Cookies, responsible for their rich flavor and the perfect chewy texture. Use high-quality, finely ground almond flour for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them form those irresistible crackly tops. Don’t skimp!
- Egg whites (room temperature): Provide structure and just the right amount of lift, keeping the cookies airy yet moist inside.
- Almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor and gives these cookies their signature aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, mellow background note that rounds out the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Just a little brings out all the sweet almond flavors and balances the cookies perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates a beautiful, lightly crisp exterior and classic Amaretti look.
How to Make Amaretti Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
First things first: preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Amaretti Cookies don’t stick and clean-up is easy. This step is all about a smooth process—plus it gives the cookies their lovely, even bottoms.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the almond flour, granulated sugar, and that pinch of salt. This will evenly blend all the dry ingredients so every single cookie is perfectly sweet and almondy.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer or even an old-fashioned whisk to beat your egg whites until soft peaks form. This step is crucial—it’s what gives Amaretti Cookies their lovely lightness and slight chew in the center. The peaks should just hold their shape when you lift up the whisk.
Step 4: Fold and Flavor
Gently fold the egg whites into the almond flour mixture. Then add the almond extract and vanilla extract. Stir carefully until everything comes together into a sticky, cohesive dough. Don’t over-mix; you want to keep that airiness in the batter!
Step 5: Shape and Coat
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll each one into a ball—slightly sticky hands are normal here! Next, roll each ball in powdered sugar until lightly coated. This is the secret to that beautiful finish and delicate sweet crunch.
Step 6: Arrange and Flatten
Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room (about an inch apart). Gently flatten each one with your fingers or the bottom of a glass—just enough so they have a rustic, crackly surface.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes. Look for cookies that are lightly golden at the edges but still pale and crackled on top. For extra crunch, leave them in a couple more minutes. Let them cool right on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Their fragrance alone will have you stealing one before they’re even cool!
How to Serve Amaretti Cookies
Garnishes
For classic Italian flair, simply dust your Amaretti Cookies with a final snowfall of powdered sugar before serving. If you want to get fancy, try topping with a single whole almond or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for added color and crunch.
Side Dishes
Amaretti Cookies are perfect alongside a strong espresso or creamy cappuccino. For a dessert platter, pair with bowls of fresh berries, scoops of vanilla gelato, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo for a luxurious Italian treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Amaretti Cookies in a decorative tin lined with tissue paper or present them in a ribbon-tied cellophane bag for thoughtful homemade gifts. At parties, serve them on a pretty cake stand or offer as part of a DIY dessert bar with bowls of chocolate fondue and fruit for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Amaretti Cookies keep beautifully. Simply transfer them to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week. Their flavor deepens over time, so they’re just as delightful on day seven as they are fresh.
Freezing
To freeze Amaretti Cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, layer them in an airtight container between sheets of parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat unless you love a little warmth! Pop cookies in a 275°F (135°C) oven for a few minutes if you want to refresh them. This brings back their magical aroma and gives the edges a gentle crispness.
FAQs
Are Amaretti Cookies really gluten-free?
Yes, these classic Italian cookies are completely gluten-free! Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour, so everyone can enjoy them—even those avoiding gluten.
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Unfortunately, no. Almond flour is essential for the taste, texture, and signature chewy bite of Amaretti Cookies. Regular flour will completely change the recipe.
Why didn’t my cookies get crackled tops?
The crackled tops come from rolling the dough in powdered sugar and making sure your egg whites are whipped to just the right stiffness. Under or over-whipping, or not coating enough in sugar, can make a difference. Don’t skip that generous sugar roll!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Your Amaretti Cookies are ready when the edges look lightly golden and the tops are set and crackled, but the centers still feel soft. They’ll firm up as they cool on the tray, so don’t overbake.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! While almond extract is traditional, you can experiment with a hint of orange zest or a splash of liqueur for a personal twist. Just be careful not to overpower that lovely almond flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Amaretti Cookies have enchanted dessert lovers for generations—simple to make, ridiculously delicious, and elegant enough for any occasion. Whether sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few for yourself, I hope you enjoy every sweet, almondy bite. Give this recipe a try; you just might find your new favorite cookie!
