Amaretti Cookies

Name: Amaretti Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2/3 c. granulated sugar (140 g.), plus more for rolling; Zest of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 orange; 1 1/2 c. almond flour (165 g.); 2 large egg whites; 1 tsp. almond extract; 1 tsp. amaretto liqueur; 1/4 tsp. orange blossom water (optional)

By June XieUpdated: Sep 7, 2022

2 Ratings

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amaretti cookies dusted with powdered sugar

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: DUNCAN FITZPATRICK

If you like French macarons, you might like this take on Italian amaretti cookies. Soft, pillowy, moist, sweet, and lightly scented with amaretto liqueur as well as citrus zests, amaretti is in my top 10 cookies of all time.

I encountered many almond-based cookies in Spain, where hunting for cookies crafted by nuns in corners of convents became the highlight of my trip. These are in that same family of cookies: fragrant, lightly nutty, rich but angelic.

Roll them in granulated sugar before baking for an extra crunch in each bite, or leave them plain—either way, let them bless your lips this holiday season. The 2-hour rest for the dough will yield a denser cookie: allowing the almond flour to hydrate in the fridge with all the flavorings results in better flavor and texture. And if you're looking for more ideas to cook up this holiday season, it's time to buckle down and watch the outrageous feast I whipped up with a $100 budget.

Once you've made a batch, drop us a comment down below on how you liked 'em!

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Yields:: 16
Prep Time:: 10 mins
Total Time:: 2 hrs 55 mins

Ingredients

2/3 c.
granulated sugar (140 g.), plus more for rolling
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
1 1/2 c.
almond flour (165 g.)
2
large egg whites
1 tsp.
almond extract
1 tsp.
amaretto liqueur
1/4 tsp.
orange blossom water (optional)

Directions

1. Step 1In a medium bowl, rub together sugar and zests using your fingertips until sugar turns a pale orange shade. Whisk in almond flour until well combined.
2. Step 2In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat egg whites until medium peaks form. Add in almond extract, amaretto, orange blossom water (if using), and almond flour mixture and fold to combine. Store dough in an airtight container for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.
3. Step 3When ready to bake, preheat oven to 325°. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
4. Step 4Portion dough into balls about 1 tablespoonful each. Roll in more granulated sugar before placing on prepared sheet 2" apart.
5. Step 5Bake until bottoms are lightly golden, about 23 to 25 minutes.