Italian almond cookies, also known as amaretti cookies, are a traditional Italian dessert characterized by their chewy texture, nutty flavor, and sweet almond aroma. These delightful treats are made with a combination of ground almonds, sugar, egg whites, and often flavored with almond extract or liqueur. They are a popular choice for holiday gatherings, especially during Christmas, and are enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to try something new, this article will guide you through the process of making the best Italian almond cookies. Learn how to select the finest ingredients, master the techniques for shaping and baking, and discover expert tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Get ready to indulge in the delightful taste of these classic Italian cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES
Provided by Tracey Seaman
Categories Cookies Food Processor Mixer Fruit Nut Dessert Bake Christmas Cherry Almond Winter Party Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes about 3 dozen cookies
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 350°F. Lightly oil 2 large baking sheets, then line with parchment paper.
- In food processor, combine 2 1/4 cups almonds and 1/3 cup sugar. Process until finely ground, scraping down sides once or twice. Set aside.
- In electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat egg whites and salt at high speed until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to medium and gradually sprinkle in remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Return speed to high and beat mixture until stiff, shiny peaks form. Gently fold in ground almond mixture and almond and vanilla extracts.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on baking sheets, and flatten slightly. Top each with glacéed cherry or almond. Bake until cookies are golden, switching positions of pans halfway through, about 25 minutes. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- Cookies keep, wrapped, several days, or frozen, several weeks. Recrisp in warm oven.
ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES
These delectable almond cookies are made with just a few ingredients. Though they're typically Sicilian, similar versions are found all over Italy. A bit like macaroons, they are crisp on the outside, with a perfumed chewy interior. They may be baked plain, decorated with candied fruit or whole almonds, or made into thumbprint cookies, filled with a spoonful of good jam. Ideal to bake in advance, these cookies keep well for several days, ready to serve at a moment's notice.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories cookies and bars, dessert
Time 1h45m
Yield 24 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Put half the almonds and half the sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Process to obtain a coarse meal. Repeat with remaining almonds and sugar.
- Put egg whites and almond extract in a medium bowl. Using a wire whisk, beat whites until soft peaks form. Add the almond-sugar mixture to the whites and use a rubber spatula to incorporate the egg whites until you obtain a doughlike consistency.
- Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to make 24 little blobs weighing about 1/2 ounce/20 grams. Roll each between 2 palms to make smooth spheres, then flatten them slightly. Roll them in a bowl of confectioners' sugar to coat well and place 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to make little round dents in each cookie. Fill dents with whole, unblanched almonds or Amarena cherries, if desired. Alternatively, leave cookies plain with smooth tops. Leave the tray of unbaked cookies at room temperature, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake until lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES II
This cookie is very chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, BUT the entire outside is coated in sliced almonds for a fantastic look and is absolutely delicious. It is well worth the effort.
Provided by PrairieHarpy
Categories Dessert
Time 35m
Yield 72 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350F (175 degrees C).
- Grease cookie sheets.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to mix together the almond paste, flour, egg whites, white sugar and confectioners' sugar until well blended.
- The mixture will be very sticky.
- Place the sliced almonds into a small bowl.
- Scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough and drop them into the almonds.
- Roll until completely coated.
- Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
- Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.2, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 7.4, Carbohydrate 16.8, Fiber 1, Sugar 13.5, Protein 2.3
ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES I
A nice easy-to-make bar cookie.
Provided by JJOHN32
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 inch square baking pan.
- Combine flour, almonds, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream vegetable shortening and sugar. Beat in lemon juice and brandy. Beat in lemon zest. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking pan. DO NOT press down on the mixture.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until lightly colored on top. Cool in pan on a wire rack before cutting into large or small bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.7 calories, Carbohydrate 20.2 g, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 6.8 mg, Sugar 8.7 g
ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES II
This cookie is very chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, BUT the entire outside is coated in sliced almonds for a fantastic look and is absolutely delicious. It is well worth the effort.
Provided by MYRAMANI
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 35m
Yield 72
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to mix together the almond paste, flour, egg whites, white sugar and confectioners' sugar until well blended. The mixture will be very sticky. Place the sliced almonds into a small bowl. Scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough and drop them into the almonds. Roll until completely coated. Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.6 calories, Carbohydrate 16.8 g, Fat 4.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 7.4 mg, Sugar 9 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your cookies.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them to cream together smoothly.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to keep their shape.
- Bake the cookies until they are just golden brown. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting them. This will help the frosting to set properly.
Conclusion:
Italian almond cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their delicate almond flavor and crispy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special cookie recipe, give these Italian almond cookies a try. You won't be disappointed!
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