Description
Soft Amaretti Cookies are chewy almond-flavored cookies with a delicate crackled surface and a hint of lemon zest. These Italian-style treats are made with almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and almond extract, offering a naturally gluten-free, sweet, and airy bite-perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 250 grams almond flour (scant 2½ cups)
- 200 grams granulated sugar (approx 1 cup)
- zest of one medium organic lemon
- 3 egg whites (111 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (5 grams)
For Rolling
- ⅓ cup extra granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) and position the rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour and granulated sugar to ensure even mixing. Add the grated lemon zest and whisk briefly to distribute the zest throughout the dry mix. Set aside.
- Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks—when they hold a gentle shape but still move fluidly. Then whisk in the pure almond extract to infuse the mixture with flavor.
- Incorporate Egg Whites into Dry Mixture: Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the almond flour mixture. Blend carefully until the dough is fully moist and homogeneous, but maintain some airiness.
- Portion Dough: Using the smallest ice cream scooper (about 1 tablespoon size), scoop the dough into balls.
- Roll in Sugar: Slightly dampen your hands, press your palms into the granulated sugar on a large plate, then roll each dough ball in the sugar on your palms and again directly in the sugar on the plate to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet with equal spacing to allow expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cookie bottoms are a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a rack before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Enjoy: These soft amaretti cookies are best enjoyed with tea or coffee. Watch the recipe video for tips on perfecting the texture and the iconic cracks.
Notes
- For soft cookies with chewy texture and signature cracks, carefully whisk egg whites to soft peaks only, avoiding stiff peaks.
- Rolling the dough balls twice in granulated sugar helps create the classic crackled appearance.
- Use fresh, high-quality almond flour for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake; watch closely after 20 minutes to ensure soft centers.
- Store in airtight containers at room temperature to maintain softness.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and make a delightful treat for those avoiding gluten.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 62 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1.1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
