Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookies
These Soft and Chewy Italian Almond Cookies, or Amaretti, are a seasonal favorite featuring a tender, chewy texture with a crisp exterior and a delightful almond flavor, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (finely ground) Use a kitchen scale for precise measurement.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature Room temperature eggs incorporate better.
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling) For coating the cookie balls.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar vigorously until pale and slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes by hand or 30 seconds with a hand mixer).
- Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts to the egg mixture.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
- Refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes for easier shaping.
Shaping and Baking
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until lightly coated and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops crack slightly and the edges are just set, keeping the centers soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Measure almond flour carefully to avoid dense cookies. Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation. Don't overbake; cookies continue to set as they cool. For a chewier center, reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes; for a crisper cookie, add 2–3 minutes. Recipes can be adapted for gluten-free options or enhanced with flavors like citrus or chocolate.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6g
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