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Amaretti Cookies for Your Christmas Cookie Platter

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Donna Urso

Are you looking for Christmas cookie suggestions? During the holiday season, while you're pondering classic Christmas cookie favorites like sugar cookies and gingerbread men, consider adding a touch of Italian flair to your Christmas cookie platter. 

Try Amaretti, delicate Italian almond cookies, with a subtly sweet flavor and crumbly texture. They are sure to become a cherished family treat. These classic Italian cookies have become a favorite Christmas cookie at my house.

How to Make Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies

Italian amaretti cookies on a plate with a sprig of holly.

Homemade Amaretti cookies bring a touch of sophistication and elegance to any dessert spread, making them perfect holiday treats. Their crisp, slightly chewy texture offers a delightful contrast to the usual soft, gooey holiday desserts. With a subtle almond sweetness, these cookies appeal to adults and kids alike and bring a taste of Italy to your holiday table.

What Are Amaretti Cookies?

Amaretti cookies have a rich history in Italy, gracing tables for centuries with their delicate sweetness and crumbly texture. My husband's grandparents immigrated to the United States from  Italy so I love adding traditional Italian cookies to our holiday treats. 

Various regional versions of amaretti emerged over time in Italy, each offering a unique twist on the classic recipe. From the soft and chewy Amaretti Morbidi, enriched with vanilla and almond extracts, to the crunchy Amaretti Croccanti baked to a drier consistency, and the distinct Amaretti di Saronno from northern Italy, incorporating apricot kernels for a subtle bitterness.

Today, we're baking the soft and chewy Amaretti cookies variation. You'll love the delicate, crisp outside and the softer contrast of the center in these delightful cookies.

5 Reasons You'll Love This Amaretti Recipe

The Authentic Italian taste: This easy amaretti recipe yields soft and chewy cookies with a delightful almond flavor, like the classic treats from Italy.

Simple, accessible ingredients: With just five ingredients, including almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and almond extract, you can create these delectable cookies without fuss.

They are naturally gluten-free cookies: Amaretti cookies are inherently gluten-free, making them a delightful option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Easy to customize: Feel free to personalize your Amaretti cookies by adding a splash of liqueur, such as Amaretto or almond liqueur, for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.

They are perfect for any occasion: Even though I suggest this Amaretti cookie recipe for your Christmas cookies, Amaretti cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed as a light dessert, an afternoon snack, or a thoughtful gift for loved ones any time of year.

Just One Donna's Amaretti Recipe

Making authentic Italian Amaretti cookies from scratch is unbelievably easy and the ingredients are simple. You will need:

Almond Flour: 3 cups-Almond flour is readily available in grocery stores across the United States. Almond flour is the foundation of these delightful cookies, providing their signature nutty flavor and delicate crumbly texture. Opt for high-quality almond flour for optimal results.

Granulated Sugar: 1 cup-Sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness to amaretti, balancing the richness of almonds. Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but you can substitute it with other sweeteners, such as powdered sugar or maple syrup, to suit your taste preferences.

Egg Whites: from 3 large eggs, at room temperature-Egg whites play a crucial role in the texture of amaretti, providing structure and a delicate crunch. Ensure the egg whites are fresh and at room temperature for optimal whipping.

Almond Extract: 2 teaspoons-You may prefer a little more or a little less. Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor of amaretti, adding a depth of aroma and taste. For a more authentic Italian experience, choose a pure almond extract.

Confectioners' Sugar: ½ cup (for rolling)

How To Make Amaretti Cookies

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)  on the convection setting or 375°F on the conventional setting and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy with a whisk or your hand mixer. I like to use my hand mixer to speed up the process. Add the almond extract and mix well.

Frothy egg whites in a bowl.

  • Mix the almond flour and sugar together. Add the egg whites and almond extract all at once. Mix until a well-combined dough forms. It just takes a couple of minutes, so avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough cookies. Feel free to use your hands. I usually start mixing with a wooden spoon and finish with my hands.

A woman forming cookie dough into balls between her hands.

  • Scoop 24 equal portions of the dough using a teaspoon and shape them into desired forms, such as rounds or ovals. Rolling the cookies in your hands into rounds is classic and easy.
  • Roll each cookie in the powdered sugar.  
  • Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Flatten rounds slightly.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.

Amaretti Cookies covered in powdered sugar still in the pan.

  • Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.

Amaretti Tips

If your Amaretti cookies are too hard, try storing them in a container with a slice of bread to add moisture. Additionally, slightly underbaking the cookies can result in a softer texture.

 If your Amaretti cookies are too soft, bake them for a few extra minutes. Additionally, overmixing the dough can contribute to a softer texture.

For a festive touch, dip the partially baked Amaretti cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle them with icing. Add some sprinkles or slivered almonds.

To package Amaretti cookies as gifts, arrange them in decorative boxes or tins, lining the bottom with parchment paper. Tie a festive ribbon around the packaging for a thoughtful presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amaretti Cookies

Are Amaretti cookies gluten-free?

Yes, amaretti cookies are naturally gluten-free as they are made with almond flour instead of wheat flour. This makes them a suitable treat for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What is the difference between soft and hard Amaretti cookies?

There are two main types of Amaretti cookies: soft and hard. Soft Amaretti cookies, also known as Amaretti Morbidi, have a chewier texture, while hard Amaretti cookies, also known as Amaretti Croccanti, have a crunchy texture.

How do I store Amaretti cookies?

Amaretti cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze amaretti cookies, you can freeze them in a single layer on cookie sheets until solid then put them in a freezer bag with parchment or wax paper between each layer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. 

Can I customize the Amaretti recipe?

Yes, you can certainly personalize your amaretti cookies by adding a splash of liqueur, such as Amaretto or almond liqueur, for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence. You can also experiment with different flavorings, such as orange zest or lemon zest. To add a touch of crunch, incorporate almond slivers or chopped nuts into the dough before shaping the cookies. 

What can I serve with Amaretti cookies?

Amaretti cookies can be enjoyed on their own as a light dessert or afternoon snack. They can also be paired with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine. Crumble amaretti cookies to add a nutty crunch to desserts, such as ice cream, yogurt, or fruit salads.

Are Amaretti cookies healthy?

Amaretti cookies are a good source of protein and fiber, thanks to the almond flour. However, they are also high in sugar, so moderation is key.

Making homemade Amaretti cookies is simple and fun. It will fill your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked Italian treats during the holidays or any time of year. These delightful cookies, with their delicate texture and subtly sweet flavor, are sure to become a favorite addition to your Christmas cookie platter or any dessert occasion. 

Amaretti Cookies Recipe

Italian cookies, Italian Christmas cookies, almond cookies
dessert
Italian
Yield: 24
Author: Donna Urso
You CAN Make the Best Amaretti Cookies: A Classic Italian Cookie Recipehttps://youtu.be/C2_GITDKV00This is how to make classic Amaretti Cookieshttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/C2_GITDKV00/hqdefault.jpg2023-12-6
Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies

Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies

Delightful almond-flavored cookies with a cracked, crunchy outside and a tender chewy inside.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) on the convection setting or 375°F on the conventional setting and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy with a whisk or your hand mixer. Add the almond extract and mix well.
  3. Mix the almond flour and sugar together. Add the egg whites and almond extract all at once. Mix until a well-combined dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough cookies. Feel free to use your hands.
  4. Scoop 24 equal portions of the dough using a teaspoon and shape them into desired forms, such as rounds or ovals.
  5. Roll each cookie in the powdered sugar.
  6. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Flatten rounds slightly.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

You might like a little more or less almond extract. These cookies can be shaped into rounds or crescents.

Recommended Products

Hand Mixer
USA Half Sheet Pans
Measuring Spoons

Nutrition Facts

Calories

114.29

Fat (grams)

6.97 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.49 g

Carbs (grams)

11.34 g

Fiber (grams)

1.48 g

Net carbs

9.85 g

Sugar (grams)

8.88 g

Protein (grams)

3.42 g

Sodium (milligrams)

6.96 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

0 mg

Nutrional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Sicilian S Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Date-Filled Cookies, An Old Fashioned Recipe

https://www.justonedonna.com/2023/12/classic-italian-amaretti-cookies.html
©Just One Donna




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