Soft Amaretti Cookies

This recipe for quick, easy, and soft amaretti cookies is so simple that anyone can make them. Follow along the recipe video for full instructions!

I love the flavor of almond. It comes across, at least to me, as such a natural flavor. Amaretti cookies are a quick and easy treat, a soft cookie with the best crunch top. The process of making them, clean up, and baking time is under an hour! They are delicious, time efficient, and naturally gluten free. Let's get to it.

What are amaretti cookies? What makes this recipe soft amaretti cookies?

Amaretti are cookies that originate in Italy (I won't get into if they come from the mainland or from Sicily) as each region claims to make the best one! They are made from almond flour, egg whites, almond extract, sugar, and powdered sugar. The fluffiness of the egg whites are what give the cookies a deliciously chewy interior and the low baking temperature is what allows the cookies to not dry out in the oven. It will dry out the top and give the cookies a wonderful crispy exterior all the while maintaining a soft and delicious interior. Somewhat similar to a macaroon in its description, yet, entirely different in its texture and taste.

Are amaretto and amaretti the same?

While they both possess almonds flavors, no, they are not the same. The liqueur, which hails originally from Sorrano, Italy, is made from apricot pits. However, because the flavor profile is similar, it is often put in amaretti cookies!

Alterations to the recipe

If you want, there are several alterations that can be made to this recipe. If you would like a more traditional cookie flavor, you may also add vanilla to the recipe by adding in 1 tsp.

If you would like to add a lemon flavor, add ¼ cup of lemon juice to the recipe.

For soft cherry amaretti cookies, add chopped cherries to the mixture (I would say no more than a cup), and or top each cookie with an individual cherry.

You can make amaretti cookies with amaretto liqueur. Add ¼ cup amaretto to the original recipe and mix in when you are kneading by hand.

Storage tips for these soft amaretti cookies

Similar to my chocolate crinkle cookies, these cookies will keep in an airtight container for about a week. If you wish to freeze them, then by all means do! They should keep for approximately three months in the deep freeze. If you are to freeze them, place a layer of parchment paper and or wax paper between each layer of cookie. As they are covered in powdered sugar, you do not want the sugar to come off when they lay on top of each other.

What do you need?

1. 1 cup granulated sugar
2. 2 teaspoon almond extract
3. 2.5 cups almond flour
4. 2 large egg whites
5. Powdered sugar (enough to cover each cookie)

How do you make soft amaretti cookies?

1. Heat your oven to 300°F. Place the almond flour and the castor sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk together. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer) whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This should take approximately five minutes.
2. You will know stiff peaks are formed if you can hold the bowl upside down and nothing comes out! Using a spatula, transfer the egg whites into the bowl with the flour mixture in thirds and fold them together. Once all of the egg white is transferred, add the almond extract and knead by hand.
3. Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll into a ball. Cover the dough in powdered sugar, place on a cookie tray lined with either parchment paper or a baking mat, and bake for 30 minutes. The lower temperature is what maintains the soft center of the cookie. Cool for 10 minutes on the cookie sheet, and then serve.

https://garnishedwithjoy.com//www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6sq42Heh-I

Looking for other cookie recipes?

Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Linzer Cookies
Chocolate Tahini Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Heath Bar Cookies

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