Description
These Amaretti Cookies are delicate, chewy almond-flavored cookies with a crisp exterior and a soft, moist center. Perfectly sweetened and lightly scented with lemon zest and almond extract, they offer a classic Italian treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups almond flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For Rolling
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, 1 cup of sugar, and lemon zest until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Prepare Egg Whites: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Then, gently whisk in the almond extract to incorporate flavor.
- Fold Ingredients: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the dry ingredients, blending until the dough becomes moist and slightly sticky, ensuring not to deflate the whipped egg whites.
- Form Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out equal amounts of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using slightly damp hands to prevent sticking. Then, roll each ball through the remaining ¼ cup of sugar to coat the outside.
- Bake and Cool: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cookies begin to turn lightly golden on top and the bottoms have browned. Remove from oven and cool the cookies completely on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use blanched almond flour to achieve a fine texture.
- Make sure the mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease before whipping egg whites to ensure proper volume.
- Dampening your hands lightly before rolling helps prevent dough from sticking and creates smooth cookie balls.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
