Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside—these classic Italian Amaretti Cookies are packed with almond flavor and naturally gluten-free! Made with just six simple ingredients, they are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.
If you love the delicate balance of crisp and chewy textures, these almond-flavored biscuits are bound to become a favorite. They’re so irresistibly moorish, you might want to make a double batch—because they’ll disappear faster than you think!
Why You’ll Love These Amaretti Cookies
✔ Naturally Gluten-Free – Made with almond flour, they’re perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
✔ Minimal Ingredients – Just six pantry staples make these cookies incredibly easy to whip up.
✔ Great for Using Leftover Egg Whites – A brilliant way to use up extra egg whites from custards, lemon curd, or homemade mayonnaise.
✔ Perfect with Coffee or Tea – The subtle sweetness and almond flavor pair beautifully with espresso or a cup of tea.
✔ Long-Lasting & Freezer-Friendly – Store them for later or freeze the dough for fresh cookies on demand!
Ingredients
- Egg Whites – Whipped to stiff peaks for the signature chewy texture.
- Ground Almonds – Also known as blanched almond flour in the US, this gives the cookies their classic nutty flavor.
- Caster Sugar – A finer sugar that dissolves easily, helping with that crisp exterior. If you’re in the US, use superfine sugar.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic depth.
- Amaretto Liqueur – For that rich almond essence (optional, but recommended!).
- Icing Sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, for rolling the cookies to give them their signature crackly finish.
How to Make Amaretti Cookies
Step 1: Whip the Egg Whites
- Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
- If you’re not baking right away, you can freeze leftover egg whites in labeled freezer bags for future use.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- Gently fold the ground almonds, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and Amaretto liqueur into the whipped egg whites until a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Roll each ball first in caster sugar, then in icing sugar to create a crackled effect while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart slightly.
- Gently press down to flatten them slightly.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden and slightly cracked.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying them warm or at room temperature.
- If they look too round after baking, lightly press them with the back of a spoon while they’re still warm.
Storage & Freezing Tips
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their chewiness.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Once fully cooled, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Freezing the Dough: Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw for 10 minutes, roll in sugar, and bake as usual.
Pro Tips for Perfect Amaretti Cookies
✔ Weigh Your Ingredients – For the best texture, use a kitchen scale to measure the ground almonds and sugar precisely.
✔ Use Fresh Egg Whites – This ensures the best volume and consistency when whisking.
✔ Add Extra Amaretto for More Flavor – If you love a stronger almond taste, add a little extra Amaretto or almond extract.
✔ Get the Best Crackly Finish – Rolling the dough in caster sugar first helps create that signature crispy exterior while preventing the icing sugar from dissolving.
✔ Experiment with Texture – Bake a little longer for crispier cookies or slightly underbake for an extra chewy center.
Conclusion
These chewy Amaretti cookies are an easy, foolproof way to bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen. With their crisp outer shell, soft and chewy center, and deep almond flavor, they’re an absolute delight with a cup of coffee or tea.
Make them for a special occasion—or just because! Either way, you’ll be glad you did.