There’s no denying that Amaretti cookies hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Their delicate texture and subtle sweetness make them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, while their versatility ensures they’re always a welcome treat. Whether you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up at the end of a long day or seeking to impress your family with a thoughtful snack, Amaretti cookies are the ideal choice. And if you’re on the hunt for more Italian-inspired treats, be sure to explore recipes like Italian Easter Cookies, Italian Rainbow Cookies, and Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies – all of which offer a delicious taste of la dolce vita.
Why You’ll Love Them
Making Amaretti cookies is an effortless task, and the best part is that they’re delightfully simple to prepare. The recipe’s simplicity is its greatest strength, making it a go-to option for those seeking a straightforward cookie-making experience. As you indulge in these scrumptious treats, you’ll quickly realize why they’ve remained a timeless classic – their subtle almond flavor is nothing short of irresistible. Whether enjoyed as a comforting pre-bedtime treat with milk or paired with your morning coffee, Amaretti cookies are sure to satisfy any craving.
How to Make Italian Amaretti Cookies
To prepare the amaretti cookie dough, start by whisking the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then add the almond extract or liqueur and continue mixing. In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour or meal with the caster sugar. Next, pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and use your hands to blend everything together, adding more ground almonds if needed to achieve a desirable consistency. Once combined, refrigerate the dough overnight. The following day, divide the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, roll each ball in icing sugar, and arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Finally, bake the cookies in the oven until golden brown, then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this Amaretti cookie recipe, there are some nuances you can play around with to suit your taste preferences. The most notable variation is the choice between almond extract or almond liqueur. If you opt for the extract, be prepared to use a significant amount (dependent on the strength), whereas a splash of liqueur should suffice. Additionally, you have the flexibility to swap sugar for sweetener if you prefer a different flavor profile or add a hint of lemon zest for an extra layer of complexity. Furthermore, some enthusiasts like to sandwich their Amaretti cookies with jam, buttercream, or ganache, reminiscent of their French counterparts. Alternatively, serving these cookies alongside a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream can be a delightful combination, especially if you’re in the holiday baking and ice cream mood!
How to Serve an Italian Amaretti Cookies Recipe
This Amaretti cookies recipe is versatile and can be paired with a variety of beverages, from a cold glass of milk to a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Additionally, the cookies hold up well when stored, making them perfect for snacking or incorporating into sweet treats like trifles and budino cakes. Even when they start to lose their freshness, there are creative ways to repurpose them – simply grind or chop them up to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your desserts.
How to Store Amaretti Cookies
When it comes to storing these scrumptious soft and chewy cookies, they’ll maintain their freshness for a few days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can also consider freezing – both the uncooked dough balls and the baked cookies are suitable for long-term preservation. The frozen dough balls will keep for up to two months before needing to be thawed and resumed with the recipe, while the baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for an extended period as well.
Recipe for Amaretti Cookies FAQs
Amaretto liqueur, with its rich almond flavor, is the traditional ingredient in this recipe. If you don’t have it on hand, amaretto extract can be used as a substitute. This Italian liqueur is not only delicious as an aperitif but also pairs perfectly with these crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside amaretti cookies, which are reminiscent of French macarons. Unlike their coconut-flaked counterparts, macaroons, these Italian treats are light and delicate. The name ‘amaretti’ literally translates to ‘small bitter ones’, a nod to the liqueur’s almond flavor and the cookies’ subtle bitterness. As an added bonus, amarettis are naturally gluten-free due to their use of almond flour or meal.When it comes to measuring out ingredients, you can opt for either cups or weights – both methods will yield similar results. However, if accuracy is your top priority, using a digital scale may be the way to go. The dough for these amaretti cookies can be quite thick, making it better suited for hand-mixing with a Danish Dough whisk rather than relying on an electric mixer. Using almond meal instead of regular almond flour will also help achieve the perfect texture – so be sure to grind those almonds finely before using them in your recipe.
Amaretti Cookies Recipe
Amaretti Cookies
While it’s difficult to go wrong with any Italian cookie, there’s something special about amaretti cookies that makes them a standout, especially during the holiday season. In fact, their unique flavor and texture make them a perfect treat for Christmas baking. With only 15 minutes of prep time and cooking time, you can have a batch of these delicious cookies ready in no time. And the best part? You’ll end up with a yield of 34 cookies to share with friends and family or enjoy all to yourself.
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, whip the 5 egg whites until they become frothy and start to form bubbles. Add the almond extract or liqueur, and whisk once more to fully incorporate. In a separate container, combine the almond meal and sugar. Gradually pour the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly until well combined. If the dough appears too wet or sticky, add a small quantity of almond meal as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Set aside. In a shallow dish, place the icing sugar. Form the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. If your hands become sticky during the process, wet them with water to prevent sticking. Roll each ball of dough in the icing sugar, allowing any excess to fall away, and then place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie into a thick oval shape using your fingers or a spatula. Repeat this process until all the dough has been used up. Bake the amaretti cookies for 15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Before moving forward with the baking process, allow ample time for the dough to chill. A minimum of two hours is necessary for the dough to relax and prepare for the next step. To prevent cookie balls from spreading excessively due to warm temperatures, roll them into spheres and place any excess on a plate. Only coat those that can fit on your cookie sheet with sugar initially, as you’ll be adding more later. Store the remaining cookie balls in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Be mindful not to add sugar too early, as this may cause the sugar to seep into the dough and compromise its texture.