Italian almond cookies – soft amaretti (3-ways)

By Ashley Jean March 19, 2023 27 mins read 228 Views

This Italian recipe for almond cookies is also known as. Soft amaretti is made with three ingredients: sugar, almond flour, and egg whites. It can be made in three ways.

Italian almond cookies are also known as. Soft amaretti, also known as amaretti morbidi, are a favorite in my kitchen. They're quick to make and taste great.

Egg whites freeze well.

I make amaretti almost every time I have egg whites left over, especially after making these simple peanut butter cookies and these salt-cured yolks.

While I will make white chocolate vanilla cakes at other times, the cookies seem to be easier for me.

This recipe has many variations, so I thought it would be helpful to show you some of them. The classic flavor is my favorite.

They are classically flavored with bitter orange, which is the hallmark flavor of amaretti cookies. However, I have also made them with matcha green and some lime zest as well as with ground hazelnuts and a little bit of espresso coffee.

Taste Atlas says that in Italian meaning amaretti comes from amaro which stands for bitter. To get the authentic taste of an Amaretti, use ground bitter almonds.

Most almond extracts already have bitter almond extract in their base, which is why they have an intense smell. However, you need to make sure that you are able to smell the extract.

You can use it if it smells strongly and tastes like disarrono liquor. You may need to increase the amount of the recipe below if it isn't very intense.

Ground apricot kernel seed will give you a similar taste to bitter almonds. Before you eat apricot kernels seeds, please consult your doctor. Although they may have health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to cyanide poisoning.

What is the recipe for amaretti cookies?

Three ingredients are required to make this Italian almond cookie recipe:

Almond flour (finely ground almond flour gives you a smooth texture. But if you like them coarser you can use blanched almonds and grind them in your food processer.
Egg whites (room temperatures because they will be whipped)
White sugar
Some flavors: bitter almond oil, vanilla (optional), and a pinch salt

How to make Italian almond cookie (soft amaretti), from scratch

It is easy to follow:

Combine the sugar and almond flour.
Mix the egg yolks and salt until you get soft peaks. This can be done with an electric mixer, or with a whisk.
Make the dough. Add the almond extract and vanilla to the egg whites. Mix well with a wooden spatula.
Roll the cookies into small balls, then coat them with icing sugar.
Bake

Do you want to roll the amaretti with granulated sugar, icing sugar, or both?

This is a great way to make these Italian almond cookies look even better.

Some recipes, such as these soft amaretti from shelovesbiscotti, roll them in caster sugar while others roll them into icing (confectioners' sugar).

I prefer icing Sugar to make them prettier. I also don't like how caster sugar crunches.

Another fact is that almond flour and white sugar are not equal in weight for many recipes, such as these amaretti cookies by loveandoliveoil.

I tried experimenting with sugar levels and found that they were sufficient to preserve the texture and taste of the cookies without being too sweet.

You can increase the sugar by adding 1 cup to the almond flour, which will equal the weight of the 2 cups.

What dessert wine would you serve these amaretti alongside? Check out this list of the top Mediterranean sweet wines, and let me know what you think in the comments

Italian almond cookies - soft amaretti (3-ways)

This Italian recipe for almond cookies is also known as. Soft amaretti is made with three ingredients: sugar, almond flour, and egg whites. It can be made in three ways.

Course Dessert, Snack, Sweet

Cuisine gluten-free, Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword cookies, amaretii and soft

Prep time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 Minutes

Total time 40 minutes

Servings

Calories HTML4_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML9_ kcal

Author Makos

Ingredients

This is the basic recipe for almond amaretti

2 whites (60g), room temperature
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cups (130 grams) white sugar
2 cups (200 grams) almond flour
Icing sugar to coat

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Add the egg whites, salt and to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high until you get soft peaks. You can also use a whisk to do this by hand. Mix in the almond extract and vanilla. If the almond aroma is too strong, you can add 1/4 teaspoon more almond extract.
Stir in the sugar until well combined. Add the almond flour, and stir until it is well combined. Finally, use a spatula to mix the dough together. It will be sticky, but that is okay.
Place some icing sugar on a plate. Make a heaped tablespoon of dough about the size of a small walnut (about 25,g / 0.88 oz).

Roll the cookies between your hands to form small balls. Roll the cookies to coat with icing sugar.
Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet and flatten them slightly with a spatula. Bake for 22-25 mins. They shouldn't brown.

Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container up to five days.

Video

Notes

Matcha-lime amaretti:

Mix 1 tablespoon matcha green tea with the flour. Add 1 teaspoon lime zest to the vanilla.

Espresso amaretti for the hazelnut:

All the almond flour should be replaced with 3 cups of hazelnut flour. 2 tablespoons freshly brewed espresso coffee can replace the vanilla.

Begin with 2 cups of hazelnut flour. Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder to replace the vanilla. If the dough becomes sticky, you can add more hazelnut flour.

The size of the cookies will affect the baking time. Baking time for smaller cookies will be shorter, while baking time for larger cookies will take longer.
You may need to add 1/2 teaspoon depending on the brand of almond extract.
You can whip them up faster if you use room temperature eggs whites
This easy French Creme Brulee recipe is perfect for those who like italian almond cookies

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast?

A Mediterranean breakfast would include a combination protein, healthy oil, and carbohydrates. The options include eggs in olive oil and roasted vegetables with a side salad, Greek yogurt with cheese, whole-grain Toast, or Quinoa porridge topped off with fresh fruits. Avocado toast with tomatoes, feta cheese and honey is a great option for breakfast. Start your day off the Mediterranean by incorporating high-quality proteins such as wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, organic eggs, and nuts. Use whole grains, such as quinoa and other whole grains, to reduce sugar. Choose fresh fruits for your breakfast, as well as extra virgin olive, coconut, and avocado oil.

How do I get started on the Mediterranean Diet?

Start by stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables to get you started with the Mediterranean diet. This could mean that you prepare different vegetables and protein every week, which can then be used in recipes the following day. Refined grains can be replaced with whole grain alternatives like quinoa and oat groats or millet. Healthy fats such as olive and sesame should also be included in meal prep to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. Garlic, oregano or basil, turmeric and other seasonings are excellent additions to meals.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal can be included in the Mediterranean Diet. Whole grains such as oats can be a good source for dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. They can be served with blueberries as well as nuts, seeds and savory dishes like eggs or cheese. Oatmeal is also versatile and can help make a healthy breakfast. It can be added into smoothies, made into protein bar, or eaten in its original form with almondmilk and other toppings for extra nutrition like gojiberries (cinnamon, chia and chia seeds), peanut butter, and cinnamon. Many countries in the Mediterranean basin are awash with oats, making them compatible with this diet.

Can the Mediterranean diet be gluten-free

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet can be adapted to be gluten-free. You don't have to eat whole grains of carbohydrates like wheat or barley. Gluten-free grains such quinoa and millet can be added to your meals. Additional gluten-free options include fruits like melon, pears and fresh vegetables as well as legumes, nuts, seeds and nuts. Individuals with gluten intolerance to milk or dairy may benefit by choosing lactosefree products. Another option is to have porridge instead.

What foods aren't allowed in a Mediterranean diet

Certain food groups are not included in a Mediterranean diet. For the health benefits associated this dietary style, some foods shouldn't even be eaten. Although these foods are fine to eat occasionally, they can cause problems for your health if you eat them regularly.

The Mediterranean diet prohibits whole-grain breads as well as starches, including white bread, sugary cereals, breads made from refined flours, and any other high-processed baked goods. These items are rapidly absorbed into the body as sugars and can cause weight gain. These products are not as rich in vitamins and minerals than whole grain alternatives like quinoa, millet, or barley.

Other forms of sugar also fall into this category. As such, limit your intake soda, tea with additional sugars, and juices. These sweetened drinks won't support weight control or healthy nutrient profiles.

When it comes to meats, red meats and processed meats should not be included in any version of a Mediterranean-style meal plan. Red meats and processed meats possess high levels of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels, raising the risk for heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related problems that could lead to more serious illnesses. Due to the association of nitrates with cell damage responses within the cells, processed lunchmeats may raise cancer risk. Avoid eating dairy products as they can contain high amounts of saturated fats.

According to nutrition experts, fish shouldn't be consumed more than three times per day.

What are the Mediterranean fruits?

There are many fruits that can be found in the Mediterranean Diet, including apples, grapes (or melons), melons and figs as well as dates and berries. To add more nutrition to your breakfast, you can try adding fresh fruit to smoothie bowls or parfaits. Greek yogurt with dates spread on toast is an excellent choice for breakfast. This provides natural sweetness without the use of processed sugars. Fresh fruit can be sliced and served over salads to add flavor and nutrients and satisfy sweet tooth cravings. You can also enjoy healthy snacks like nuts, seeds and almonds. Also, dark chocolate may be a good option for antioxidants. To experience the flavors of this ancient diet, explore various local options considered staples in countries close to the Mediterranean Sea!

Is the Mediterranean Diet expensive?

The Mediterranean diet is usually affordable, and includes easily accessible and affordable ingredients. Local grocery stores and farmers' markets have many staple foods. Shopping for organic products, premium proteins or specialty items like extra virgin olive oil, can prove more costly. Therefore, make sure to have a budget and plan your meals accordingly. Saving money is possible by using leftovers from past meals, and bulk-freezing food such as fish or grains.

Statistics

The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

External Links

How To

How to Incorporate Mediterranean-Inspired Foods into Your Daily Meals?

A Mediterranean diet is a great way to improve overall health and quality of life. This eating pattern focuses on including healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables in daily meals. Eating this way can lead to potential health benefits such as better blood lipids, improved glucose control, reduced risk for depression and certain types of cancer, better cardiac health, enhanced cognitive function, and improved weight management. Incorporating Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet can be done with ease by following several helpful tips:

Swap high-calorie snack foods like chips for nutritious, low-calorie vegetables such as hummus and other traditional greens.
Learn how to add spices or other sources of nuts, fruits and vegetables to your diet.
You can increase your hunger after eating by incorporating legumes and grains.
For added nutrition, consume moderate amounts of yogurt, cheese, milk, and milk throughout your day.
Olive oil is a better cooking fat than traditional oils.
Finally, occasionally enjoy a red wine to complete the Mediterranean experience.

You can adopt Mediterranean eating habits with effort and time. This will allow you to enjoy your food while also gaining potential health benefits. Combining this with regular, vigorous exercise could lead to even greater short-term benefits and long-term health benefits. This includes the prevention of chronic diseases, better body composition, and improved overall health.