Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with these authentic amaretti cookies, a timeless treat that captures the essence of Italian baking. These delightful cookies, often referred to as "ladyfingers" due to their elongated shape, are a symphony of flavors and textures. Made with a blend of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, amaretti cookies boast a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy interior. Their distinctive almond flavor is further enhanced by the addition of apricot kernels, lending a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. While classic amaretti cookies are a cherished delicacy on their own, this article presents a collection of innovative variations that elevate this traditional recipe to new heights. From the indulgent chocolate-dipped amaretti to the zesty lemon-infused version, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the original or crave a more adventurous flavor combination, this comprehensive guide has something for every amaretti enthusiast.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
AMARETTI - ITALIAN CHEWY ALMOND COOKIES
Amaretti cookies are probably the world's most famous Italian cookies.And for a good reason! Slightly crunchy on the outside they're perfectly chewy inside.
Provided by Italian Recipe Book
Categories Cookies
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- If you're using whole peeled almonds, toast them in the oven until lightly brown. This will give a darker color and more bright flavor to amaretti.
- Once almonds reach desired color, cool them completely.
- Pulse almonds and bitter apricot kernels (if you opt to use those as in traditional Italian recipe) with sugar in a food processor as finely as you can.
- NOTE: if you are using almond flour, use confectioners sugar instead of regular sugar. This way you don't need to use a food processor. Simply mix everything in the bowl.
- Add almond extract.
- Beat egg white with a pinch of salt until completely white and fluffy.
- Start to fold egg white into sugar and almond mix. Add a couple of table spoons at a time. You should reach silky and stiff consistency of the cookie dough. NOTE: You may not need to use all egg whites, just enough to get the dough together.
- Sprinkle work surface with some powdered/confectioners sugar.
- Pinch off some dough and roll it into ⅔ of an inch rope.Using a dough scraper cut the rope into ⅔ of an inch pieces.
- Roll each "pillow" giving it a ball shape (size of a walnut) and roll it in generous amount of confectioners sugar.
- Place each cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Decorate with an almond nut (optional).
- Bake in preheated to 350F oven for 12-15 minutes, just until inside the crinkles amaretti become lightly brown.
AMARETTI COOKIE
These traditional Italian cookies are crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside and bursting with almond flavor. Enjoy the bite-sized cookies with a cup of coffee or a bowl of ice cream, day or night!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 32 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- Whisk the almond flour, granulated sugar and salt in a large bowl to combine. Beat the egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute 30 seconds. Add the almond extract and beat to combine. Fold the egg whites into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Put the confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion the dough and roll into balls. Toss each ball in the confectioners' sugar, coating thoroughly. Arrange the balls 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until golden brown and the tops crack, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
AMARETTI
This is the classic Italian almond macaroon. When first baked they are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. As they sit, they get crunchy throughout. Delicious with any fruit dessert.
Provided by Kevin Ryan
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, grind the almonds into a fine meal. Add the sugar and continue to process for another 15 seconds. Finally, add egg whites and almond extract, continue to process until a smooth dough forms around the blade.
- Using a teaspoon, place well rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Cookies should be at least 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Cookies should be golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on the paper before removing. Store in a dry place.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.7 calories, Carbohydrate 30.3 g, Fat 13.8 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 16.8 mg, Sugar 26.1 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and airy texture.
- Fold in the dry ingredients gently to avoid deflating the egg whites.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for easier handling.
- Bake the cookies until they are golden brown on the bottom and still soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Conclusion:
These amaretti cookies are a delicious and authentic Italian treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their delicate almond flavor and chewy texture, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you are a fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking for a new and exciting cookie recipe, these amaretti cookies are sure to please.
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