Amaretti Cookies – Italian Almond Cookies

These easy Amaretti Cookies or Italian Almond Cookies, have only four ingredients which makes them a fast and easy Cookie Recipe. They are also gluten and dairy free too, which means almost everyone can have one!

I usually make these cookies during the Christmas Holidays along with some of my Mom’s best cookies including Whipped Shortbread and Almond Crescent Cookies. But then again if the Italian bugs me enough I will whip up a batch for him.

 

When our youngest daughter was home it was always a race to grab as many as they could before the other got to them first. They both swear these are their favourite cookies. And to tell the truth they are so quick and easy to whip up, especially when you use a food processor that you can have them made and baked in 25 minutes.

My husband is an absolute Nut lover. He has even planted a few nut trees, Hazelnut and Walnut to be exact. He adores Christmas just so he can sink his teeth into some Torrone.

What are Amaretti Cookies

Amaretti Cookies are basically found in all of Italy, meaning they are found in every Region. Although every region makes them a little different. Some let the dough refrigerate for 24 hours and some add an Almond Liqueur. Some use icing sugar and some granulated sugar. But all are made with almonds.

I did neither, I made a simple recipe that a friend gave me years ago which I made a few times, I actually make it two different ways one for the Italian and one for my youngest daughter. He likes them more the traditional Italian was baked longer and with only one egg white, my daughter prefers them flatter which are made with 2 egg whites. Either way you can can’t beat these Amaretti Biscotti Recipe.

How to make the Italian Almond Cookies

These almond cookies are always a favorite in our house, just a few ingredients and you have a delicious easy cookie. Gluten free also! For the full recipe ingredients and instructions scroll to the bottom of the post for the recipe card.

In a food processor add the almonds and sugar and pulse until mixture is finely ground.

 

Then add the egg white (or whites if you want a flatter cookie)and almond/vanilla flavouring and again pulse until the mixture comes together.

If you use one egg white you can roll the dough to form a small ball, if you use 2 egg whites then you will need to drop the mixture with a teaspoon on the prepared parchment paper cookie sheet. Be sure to leave space between each cookie. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired and bake until golden.

Let cool completely, and sprinkle with icing sugar if desired. 

How to roast almonds

Place the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes. With a metal spatula turn the almonds a mix a couple of times while in the oven. Immediately move them to a clean bowl to cool before grinding them.

These Amaretti are a crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside type of cookie. Since they are so quick and easy they are even perfect for when you have unexpected guests arrive, whether during the holiday Season or anytime! You could slip into the kitchen and whip them up in no time. Ok maybe a bit of an exaggeration! But close enough.

More delicious Italian Cookies

• Canestrelli – a crunchy Italian cookie with an interesting ingredient.
• Italian Butter Cookies – the perfect Italian cookie to eat with a cup of espresso or even a cup of tea.
• Italian Orange Ricotta Cookies – everyone loves soft ricotta cookies especially orange ones!

Can you use Almond Flour?

I wouldn’t use flour because it is too fine, to make ground almonds you can use either skinned or skin on almonds, it depends on your preference. I usually use skinned and lightly roasted. If you like more of a bite to your cookie you can leave them a little less finely ground.

How to store the Almond Cookies

The baked cooled cookies should be stored in an airtight bag or container. They will last for up to three days at room temperature. They can also be frozen in a freezer safe bag or container and will keep for up to six months.

Tips for making the Best Amaretti Cookies

Be sure your almonds are as fresh as possible. If you don’t have almond flavouring then vanilla flavouring works well too. Adding a few chocolate chips to some of the cookies can change them up a bit. And be sure to sprinkle with a little sugar before baking.

So if you are looking for a tasty quick and easy Italian Cookie then I hope you give these Amaretti Cookies a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Updated from December 16, 2016.