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Desserts Italian Cookies
4.6 from 72 votes

Amaretti Cookies

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •12/24/22 34 Comments

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pin for amaretti cookies.

These almond infused Amaretti Cookies are a Christmas classic. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, these soft, chewy cookies are totally gluten-free and a holiday staple!

a bunch of amaretti cookies on parchment paper with almonds.
Table of Contents Open
  • Why You’ll Love These Amaretti Cookies
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Amaretti Cookies
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What Is An Amaretti Cookie?
    • Can I Use Store Bought Egg Whites?
    • How To Serve
  • Expert Tips
  • Storing
    • Freezing
  • More Great Recipes To Try
  • Amaretti Cookies
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

As Christmas approaches, the cookie recipes keep flowing! I can’t seem to stay out of my kitchen this time of year because I absolutely LOVE holiday baking. These Amaretti Cookies are a Christmas classic! Made with almond flour and almond extract, these sweet, nutty cookies are gluten-free, soft, chewy and the perfect recipe to spread some holiday cheer.

I love these cookies because of how simple they are! Using only 5 ingredients total, they are so easy and inexpensive to make. Not to mention, they’re absolutely delicious! Since they use almond flour, this is a cookie everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions! It doesn’t get much better than a soft, chewy, sugary Christmas cookie.

Why You’ll Love These Amaretti Cookies

  • Short Ingredient List
  • Gluten-Free
  • Easy To Make
  • Simple & Delicious
  • Perfect Holiday Cookie

Ingredients You’ll Need

overheat shot of all the ingredients needed to make amaretti cookies.
  • Flour – For these amaretti cookies I used almond flour, because after all, they are ALMOND cookies. Rejoice all my gluten-free readers!
  • Sugar – Regular granulated is all you need, nothing fancy! We are using sugar in the cookies, and also rolling them in sugar before baking.
  • Lemon Zest – The lemon really compliments the sweet almond extract.
  • Eggs – We just need the egg whites! They’re going to make our cookie super soft and airy!
  • Almond Extract – Essential for this cookie! It’s what gives it the distinctive flavor that makes the amaretti cookie.

How To Make Amaretti Cookies

detailed process shots showing how to make amaretti cookies.
  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl add the almond flour, 1 cup of sugar and lemon zest. Whisk well.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the bowl of your mixer add the egg whites and beat to a soft peak. Whisk in the almond extract.
  4. Fold Together: Gently fold in the egg whites into the dry ingredients until the dough is moist.
  5. Form Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out equal amounts of dough, then roll into balls with slightly damp hands. Roll through the remaining ¼ cup of sugar. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake and Cool: Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies start to slightly turn golden and bottom is golden brown. Cool completely on cooling racks.
side by side shot of amaretti cookies before and after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Amaretti Cookie?

A gluten-free, almond flavored Italian cookie that can have a texture ranging from soft and chewy to crisp! They’re naturally gluten-free, made with almond flour, sugar and egg white, with a hint of almond extract to amp up the almond flavor. These amaretti cookies are chewy, sticky and sweet. They do contain a fair amount of sugar, but this sugar will caramelize in the oven during the baking process to give us that sticky, sweet, mouthwatering result.

Can I Use Store Bought Egg Whites?

Yes! If you have a carton of egg whites at home, 30g (1oz or 2 tbsp) is equal to one large egg white.

How To Serve

As I said before, these are a holiday staple in my house! And although I usually only make them around Christmas, they can be made any time of year. A stack of these cookies makes for the perfect gift, if you want to share that is…

freshly baked amaretti cookies on a baking sheet.

Expert Tips

  1. The rolled mixture should be sticky but fairly firm, and should hold their shape when placed on the baking tray.
  2. The cookies will expand slightly in the oven and crack, so make sure they have ample room. They should also flatten out a bit as well.
  3. Did you know that egg whites can be frozen? If you ever have leftover egg whites, freeze them in an airtight container or bag. That way, you can defrost them in the refrigerator and use them in future recipes!
overhead shot of amaretti cookies on parchment paper with almonds around.

Storing

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container, sealed jar or sealable bag at room temperature. They will last for at least 1 week.

Freezing

Cool the amaretti cookies completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a bag or an airtight container. The cookies will keep for up to 6 months.

amaretti cookies on a mini plate surrounded by more amaretti cookies.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Gingerbread Cookies
  • Apple and Almond Squares
  • Healthy Apple Muffins
  • Thumbprint Cookies

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

a bunch of amaretti cookies on parchment paper with almonds.
Print
4.57 from 72 votes

Amaretti Cookies

Prep 30 minutes minutes
Cook 25 minutes minutes
Total 55 minutes minutes
Rate Recipe
These almond infused Amaretti Cookies are a Christmas classic. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, these soft, chewy cookies are totally gluten-free and a holiday staple!
24

Ingredients

  • 2 ⅔ cup almond flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • ¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl add the almond flour, 1 cup of sugar and lemon zest. Whisk well.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: To the bowl of your mixer add the egg whites and beat to a soft peak. Whisk in the almond extract.
  • Fold Together: Gently fold in the egg whites into the dry ingredients until the dough is moist.
  • Form Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out equal amounts of dough, then roll into balls with slightly damp hands. Roll through the remaining ¼ cup of sugar. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake and Cool: Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies start to slightly turn golden and bottom is golden brown. Cool completely on cooling racks.

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Classic 4.5 Quart Stand Mixer
  • Aluminum Baking Sheet (2 pack)
  • Parchment Paper
  • Black Cooling Rack

Video

Notes

  1. The rolled mixture should be sticky but fairly firm, and should hold their shape when placed on the baking tray.
  2. The cookies will expand slightly in the oven and crack, so make sure they have ample room. They should also flatten out a bit as well. 
  3. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container, sealed jar or sealable bag at room temperature. They will last for at least 1 week.
  4. Cool the amaretti cookies completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a bag or an airtight container. The cookies will keep for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 113kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 13g (4%)Protein: 3g (6%)Fat: 6g (9%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Sodium: 6mgPotassium: 6mgFiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 11g (12%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 26mg (3%)Iron: 1mg (6%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a bunch of amaretti cookies on parchment paper with almonds.

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Recipe source: She Loves Biscotti

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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34 Comments
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robin
robin
Posted: 14 days ago

I am eating the batch today that I made yesterday and overcooked far too much. When they did not turn golden brown, I left them in the oven for a very long time. I had also used wax paper by mistake and it stuck to the bottom. But today, I have easily scratched off the wax paper with a knife and the ones that were overcooked are just as good, really as good, as the ones that were done just right. This is a foolproof recipe. thank you so much, I’m so glad to have it, glad you have it, Jo!! ❤️
PS these cookies are also beautiful because they have the look of crystals on the surface from rolling them in sugar.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  robin
Posted: 14 days ago

Wow, it’s fantastic to hear that even with some unexpected twists and turns in the baking process, these amaretti cookies turned out delicious! 🍪🎉 It just goes to show how forgiving and foolproof this recipe is. I’m so glad you were able to save them and enjoy their lovely crystal-like appearance from the sugar. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience! Keep baking and enjoying these scrumptious cookies, happy cooking! 😊👩‍🍳

0
Reply
robin
robin
Posted: 15 days ago

5 stars
I have been making different variations of almond cookies for a long time. This is the end of my search for a good recipe. I made a couple of mistakes but I learned my lessons and even though I made mistakes they are still transcendent! These will probably be the only cookies I make for the rest of my life, for myself anyway. Thank you so much! Molto buono ❤️ Mille grazie 👍

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  robin
Posted: 15 days ago

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

1
Reply
Marlene
Marlene
Posted: 4 months ago

5 stars
Great recipe – easy to make and so delicious, like a marzipan cookie! Big bonus is that they’re also gluten free.

0
Reply
Josie
Josie
Posted: 4 months ago

5 stars
Hi Jo, I made these for my Christmas dessert table. They were great! I would like to bake them for my daughter’s bridal shower. Just wondering how long can they stay frozen and will they be ok when I package them for our guests as favors?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Josie
Posted: 4 months ago

You can freeze them for about 3 months.

1
Reply
Josie
Josie
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 4 months ago

Thank you. What about packaging them after cookies thaw out? Will they be ok in a small cardboard cookie box and used as favors at the bridal shower?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Josie
Posted: 4 months ago

Absolutely!

0
Reply
Frank
Frank
Posted: 5 months ago

5 stars
Sooo Good. A great addition to our Christmas cookie bake list!

0
Reply
Mary
Mary
Posted: 5 months ago

5 stars
One of my go to recipes for cookies. Gluten free, tasty, easy and freeze well. My Italian spouse loves them with his coffee. Love them!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Mary
Posted: 5 months ago

So glad you like them!

0
Reply
MochaG
MochaG
Posted: 6 months ago

Wow I absolutely love marzipan and this cookie came out like pure MARZIPAN!! I’m delighted…

0
Reply
Angela C.
Angela C.
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
I made these cookies and they taste as if came from an Italian bakery! Amazing! Easy to make and I love that all the ingredients are already in my kitchen! Highly recommend trying this out!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Angela C.
Posted: 1 year ago

Yay! So glad you like them!

0
Reply
Michèle Dextras
Michèle Dextras
Posted: 1 year ago

Hi, it’s me again. When I told my son that I had made amaretti cookies he asked me if they were with pistachios! I found 3 recipes for pistachio amaretti cookies, one uses egg whites but another one uses a whole egg. So Jo, do you have an opinion? I have made several of your recipes and I trust your instincts. Thanks!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Michèle Dextras
Posted: 1 year ago

I do have a recipe, haven’t shared it on the blog yet because it’s a work in progress. It’s still not where I want it to be so I’m still fixing it. It’s too late for me to do it for this Christmas but I’ll have it by next Christmas for sure. So just be patient with me. 😉

1
Reply
Michèle Dextras
Michèle Dextras
Posted: 1 year ago

These are excellent amaretti cookies and so easy to make! Perfect for my gluten intolerant friends.

0
Reply
Megrarian
Megrarian
Posted: 1 year ago

Can I freeze the dough and bake later?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Megrarian
Posted: 1 year ago

You’re probably better off to freeze the cookies, because they hold up really well. I usually bake them a month ahead and just put the in a airtight container and freeze until Christmas.

2
Reply
Megrarian
Megrarian
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 1 year ago

Many Thanks for your quick response! I will try that.

0
Reply
Joanna C
Joanna C
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Love these cookies! Made them 1st as a Christmas cookie, now I make them all the time!

1
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  Joanna C
Posted: 2 years ago

We are so glad you enjoy them!

0
Reply
Sue
Sue
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Delish! I did turn my oven down & gave them a minute or two more…turned out really really good!

0
Reply
Shweta
Shweta
Posted: 2 years ago

I have tried so many low carb cookies but none came any close to these. these turned out to be heavenly and perfect for my Sweet cravings on Leto.I substituted the sugar with low carb sweetener yet came out beautifully .
Need more simple low carb recipes please

0
Reply
Sue
Sue
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I am very happy with how these cookies turned out…so tasty!

1
Reply

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