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  • Amaretti Cookies

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    These deliciously sweet Italian amaretti cookies are perfect for the holiday season, and all year round! With flavors of almond and lemon, they are simple and easy to make.

    amaretti cookies on a plate with raw almonds

    Have you tried amaretti cookies before? They are one of my favorite treats and are wonderfully simple and easy to make.

    These almond flavored cookies are wonderfully light and airy, and their sugar coating makes them so festive and perfect for Christmas!

    For more cookie recipes, be sure to check out my Keto Chocolate Pecan Cookies and Paleo Walnut Cookies.

    Why you will love this amaretti cookies recipe!

    • Gluten-free: These cookies are made with almond flour, so they are perfect if you or someone in your family has an intolerance.
    • Dairy-free: These cookies contain no butter or other dairy products.
    • Simple ingredients: You only need 6 main ingredients, most of which you will already have to hand.
    • Quick: Simple to make, the cookie dough comes together easily.
    stacked gluten-free almond cookies on a plate

    Ingredients for gluten-free amaretti cookies

    • Almond flour: Amaretti cookies are made with almond flour, making these gluten-free.
    • Sugar: You will need granulated and powdered sugar for this recipe.
    • Eggs: Just the egg whites are needed in this recipe so the cookies are light and fluffy.
    • Salt: A little salt helps to enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
    • Lemon Zest: We use the zest of one lemon for a bright and zingy flavor.
    • Almond Extract: For the cookies’ unmistakeable almond flavor.
    best amaretti cookies ingredients

    How to make amaretti cookies

    • Preheat your oven to 325°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl add the almond flour, 1 cup of sugar, pinch of salt, and lemon zest. Whisk well.
    • In a medium bowl mix the egg whites with a mixer and beat to a soft peak. Whisk in the almond extract.
    • Gently fold in the egg whites into the dry ingredients until the dough is moist. The dough will be thick and sticky. Cover the bowl and chill dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
    • Mix 3 tablespoons granulated and powdered sugar in a small plate.
    • Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out equal amounts of dough, then roll into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Roll each cookie ball in the sugar mixture for rolling. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and press slightly on top with your finger.
    • Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies start to slightly turn golden and bottom is golden brown. Cool completely on cooling racks.
    how to make amaretti cookies - process shots 1
    how to make Italian amaretti cookies - process shots 2

    How long do they keep?

    Once your amaretti cookies have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for around 4 to 5 days or around 8 to 9 days in the fridge.

    Can you use carton egg whites?

    This recipe only requires the egg whites. You can separate fresh eggs and keep the yolks for another recipes, or you can use cartoned egg whites if you have those. Two tablespoons is equal to one egg white.

    close up shot of chewy amaretti cookies on a plate

    Can you freeze them?

    Yes, these cookies freeze well and will keep for up to six months. Freeze the cooled cookies solid on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies can be thawed at room temperature.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • The dough will be sticky, but fairly firm. They should hold their shape when you place them on the baking sheet.
    • After mixing the dough, make sure you refrigerate it for 1 hour before forming the balls.
    • Allow a little room between the amaretti cookies on the baking sheet as they will expand slightly in the oven.
    • They will be soft when you take them out of the oven but allow them to cool on a cooling rack.

    More Sweet Recipes

    amaretti cookies on a plate with raw almonds
    5 from 2 votes
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    Amaretti Cookies

    These deliciously sweet Italian amaretti cookies are perfect for the holiday season, and all year round! With flavors of almond and lemon, they are simple and easy to make.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Chilling time 1 hour
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings 18 cookies
    Calories 145kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat your oven to 325°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl add the almond flour, 1 cup of sugar, pinch of salt, and lemon zest. Whisk well.
    • In a medium bowl mix the egg whites with a mixer and beat to a soft peak. Whisk in the almond extract.
    • Gently fold in the egg whites into the dry ingredients until the dough is moist. The dough will be thick and sticky. Cover the bowl and chill dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
    • Mix 3 tablespoons granulated and powdered sugar in a small plate.
    • Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out equal amounts of dough, then roll into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Roll each cookie ball in the sugar mixture for rolling. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and press slightly on top with your finger.
    • Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies start to slightly turn golden and bottom is golden brown. Cool completely on cooling racks.

    TIPS & NOTES

    • The dough will be sticky, but fairly firm. They should hold their shape when you place them on the baking sheet.
    • After mixing the dough, make sure you refrigerate it for 1 hour before forming the balls.
    • Allow a little room between the amaretti cookies on the baking sheet as they will expand slightly in the oven.
    • They will be soft when you take them out of the oven but allow them to cool on a cooling rack.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword almond cookies, how to make amaretti cookies
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    Comments

    Richard Tunner

    5 stars
    Thanks for the great recipe and video…I made this today but I used unbleached almond flour and almond extract….they came out GREAT!

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