Amaretti Cookies: A Sweet and Simple Delight

Welcome back to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a classic Italian treat that’s perfect for cookie lovers—Amaretti Cookies. These almond-flavored delights are wonderfully crisp on the outside and delightfully chewy inside, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients:

• Almond Meal: 4 1/2 cups (450 g) – Provides the cookies with their signature almond flavor and chewy texture.
• Caster Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (315 g) – A finer sugar that dissolves more easily, perfect for delicate cookies.
• Baking Powder: 2 tsp – Helps the cookies puff up slightly during baking.
• Salt: A pinch – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Egg Whites: 5 – Creates a light and airy texture by whipping into soft peaks.
• Almond Extract: 1 tsp – Intensifies the almond flavor, making each bite truly special.

To Decorate:

• Caster Sugar: 1/2 cup (105 g) – Adds a sweet coating to the outside of the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (55 g) – Gives a beautiful snowy finish.
• Blanched Almonds or Glace Cherries: 35 – A traditional topping that adds a touch of elegance.

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Space: Start by preheating your fan-forced oven to 170°C (340°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift almond meal, caster sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine, then stir in the baking powder.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. This usually takes about 2 minutes on medium speed. The goal is to achieve a frothy and foamy consistency.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold half of the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Add the almond extract, then incorporate the remaining dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Shape and Sugar: Use a small cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to form 30-35 cookies. Roll each one in your hands, then coat first in caster sugar, followed by powdered sugar. Place them on the prepared trays, ensuring they are spaced about 1 1/2 inches apart. Press a blanched almond or a cherry into the top of each cookie.
6. Bake: Bake for 8 minutes. They should be lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the cookies to cool on the trays completely before indulging.

Nutritional Info:

• Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
• Servings: 35 cookies

Preparation Insights:

• Total Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes

These Amaretti Cookies are a breeze to make and even easier to enjoy. Pair them with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, or crumble them over a bowl of ice cream for an extra special dessert. Each bite is packed with the sweet, nutty flavors of almond, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Happy baking!