Amaretti cookies, those little bites of almondy goodness, are a classic Italian treat. With their crisp edges and chewy centers, these cookies are bursting with flavor and a hint of bittersweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through How To Make Amaretti cookies that will impress everyone.
These cookies are surprisingly easy to whip up, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply divine. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Amaretti Cookies Ingredients:
- 1 cup (5 ounces) almond flour (not almond meal)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whipping the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
- Tip: Make sure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites to ensure they reach their full volume.
3. Combining the Ingredients:
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. The dough should be thick but still slightly sticky.
4. Shaping and Baking Your Amaretti Cookies:
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Optional: Gently press down on each cookie with the back of a fork to slightly flatten them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
5. Cooling and Dusting:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust the amaretti cookies with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Tips for Perfect Amaretti Every Time:
- Almond Flour is Key: Make sure to use almond flour, not almond meal, for the best texture. Almond flour is finer and will result in lighter cookies.
- Room Temperature Egg Whites: Room temperature egg whites whip up to a larger volume, which is crucial for creating the airy texture of amaretti cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Storage: Store your amaretti cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
FAQs About Making Amaretti:
Can I substitute the almond extract?
While almond extract gives amaretti cookies their signature flavor, you can try substituting it with vanilla extract or even a bit of amaretto liqueur if you prefer.
My cookies spread too much. What happened?
If your cookies spread too much, the dough may have been too wet. Make sure you measured your ingredients accurately and that your egg whites were whipped to stiff peaks.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Amaretti cookies are naturally gluten-free as they are made with almond flour. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as baking powder and extracts, are also gluten-free.
Indulge in Italian Tradition:
Amaretti cookies are not just a dessert; they are a taste of Italian tradition. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or share them with loved ones for a special occasion.
Looking for more delicious dessert inspiration? Check out our recipe for Biscuit Tortoni, another Italian classic!
