First of all — thank you for stopping by my kitchen today! I’m beyond excited to share one of my most treasured cookie recipes with you: Amaretti Almond Cookies. These little Italian gems have been a family staple for decades, and they’re the perfect combination of crispy edges, chewy centers, and that irresistible almond aroma that fills your whole home.
We’re talking a recipe so simple, you can whip it up in under an hour, but so elegant, it looks like it came straight from a quaint café in Rome. Whether you’re making them for a holiday platter, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these amaretti will win hearts.
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Overview of Recipe Content
What Are Amaretti Almond Cookies?
Amaretti cookies are traditional Italian almond cookies, crisp on the outside and tender-chewy inside, flavored with almond extract for that signature nuttiness. Some regions make them crunchy all the way through, but my version finds that happy medium.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients — just almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and flavoring.
- Gluten-free naturally, since we use almond flour instead of wheat flour.
- Perfect for gifting — they keep well and look beautiful in a tin.
- Holiday-ready but easy enough for everyday coffee breaks.
Flavor Profile
Sweet and nutty with a subtle bitterness from the almond extract, balanced by a delicate sugar coating. They melt in your mouth yet offer a satisfying bite.
Health & Seasonal Benefits
- High in protein from almonds.
- Naturally gluten-free.
- Keeps well in cool weather for seasonal gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (fine texture)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for warmth)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting before baking)
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Suggested Substitutions & Additions
- Swap almond extract for amaretto liqueur for a richer flavor.
- Add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Dip cooled cookies halfway in dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.
How to Make Amaretti Almond Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients — In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour and powdered sugar until combined and lump-free.
- Whip egg whites — In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks.
- Combine mixtures — Gently fold the dry mixture into the whipped egg whites. Add almond extract (and vanilla if using) until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Shape the cookies — Use a small scoop or spoon to roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Bake — Arrange on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden and cracked on top.
- Cool — Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
💡 The smell when these are in the oven? Pure holiday magic.
What to Serve with Amaretti Almond Cookies
- Espresso or cappuccino for a true Italian vibe.
- A small glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo.
- Paired on a platter with Soft Lemon Ricotta Cookies for a citrus-almond contrast.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overwhip your egg whites; soft peaks give the best texture.
- Always roll in sugar before baking — it creates that signature crackle.
- Store them in an airtight tin to keep the centers soft.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen adding 2 minutes to bake time.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes to refresh.
General Information
Amaretti cookies date back to the Renaissance, originating in Saronno, Italy. Traditionally made with apricot kernels, modern versions use almond flour for accessibility. They’re often given as gifts, wrapped in colorful paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly coarser.
2. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely — no wheat flour is used.
3. Can I make them vegan?
You could try aquafaba instead of egg whites, though the texture will change.
4. Can I flavor them differently?
Yes! Try lemon zest, cocoa powder, or pistachio extract.
Conclusion
These Amaretti Almond Cookies are the kind of treat that feel both fancy and homey — perfect for any time you want to bring a little Italian sweetness into your day.
If you love almond-based treats, you might also enjoy my Italian Almond Cake or Soft Almond Crescent Cookies.
Interactive Elements
If you make these cookies, I’d love to see! Share your creation on Pinterest at Poulef Recipe Pinterest or tag me on Instagram. Leave a comment below — I read every one!
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx. 24 cookies)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sugar | Fat | Saturated Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 2g | 11g | 9g | 5g | 0.5g | 1g | 5mg |
Amaretti Almond Cookies: A Classic Italian Treat with a Perfect Balance of Crunch and Sweetness
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These classic Italian Amaretti Almond Cookies are crisp on the outside, chewy inside, and filled with rich almond flavor. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for holidays or coffee breaks.
Ingredients
2 cups almond flour (fine texture)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Powdered sugar (for dusting before baking)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together almond flour and powdered sugar until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into whipped egg whites, then add almond extract and optional vanilla.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar, and dust with powdered sugar.
6. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cracked.
7. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute 1 tsp almond extract with 1 tbsp amaretto liqueur.
Add orange or lemon zest for a citrus twist.
Dip cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
