Easy Homemade Recipes

  • Recipe Box
    • Blog
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Box
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Box
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
×
Home » Recipes » Cookies

Soft Amaretti Cookies

Published: Dec 8, 2019 by AmyG Modified On: Dec 1, 2024. This post may contain affiliate links. 10 Comments.

Soft Amaretti Cookies also known in Italian as Amaretti Morbidi are a traditional Italian cookie made from ground almonds. Not only are they chewy and soft, but they are also gluten free.

Like Italian cookies? Try my recipe for Italian Orange Cookies, Almond Crescent Cookies, my Nonna's S Cookie Recipe or Italian Peach Cookies.

Soft Amaretti Cookies stacked on a white counter
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Jump to:
  • Here's Why You'll Love these Soft Cookies
  • Ingredients Needed to Make Soft Amaretti Cookies
  • How to Make Soft Amaretti
  • Top Tips
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
  • Desserts to Try
  • Recipe Details
  • Top Tips
  • PIN For Later Here
  • Food Safety
  • Comments

Soft Amaretti cookies can be made at any time of the year, but they are especially popular around holidays like Easter and Christmas. But, since almonds are available at your local grocer year round, you can source your almonds and make them whenever you are feeling like you need a little treat.

Surprisingly, there is no Amaretto Liquor in these Amaretti Cookies. That doesn't mean you can substitute the Almond Extract with an Almond Liquor like Disaronno.

Here's Why You'll Love these Soft Cookies

  • Amazing flavor that everyone will like
  • Perfect to pair with a cup of coffee or espresso
  • A great tasting cookie to add to a cookie tray for bridal or baby showers or to add to your Christmas cookie tray giveaways.
  • Gluten free means you can share with people who follow gluten free diets

This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rest assured that who ever tries one of these Italian Amaretti Cookies made from almond flour, sugar and egg whites will be back for another and another and so on! And best of all your stomach won't hate you for eating these Amaretti Cookies because they are gluten free and dairy free.

Blanched Almonds vs. Unblanched Ground Almonds

Note that blanched and unblanched ground almonds have slightly different tastes.  The basic difference is that blanched almonds don't have their skin so they look lighter in color.  Blanched almonds are used more in baking cakes because they are lighter in color. 

Traditionally, these Amaretto Cookies are made using unblanched almonds.  But the choice is really yours depending on your preference.  If you want a really nutty taste, use unblanched almonds. With Amaretti Cookies you can use either blanched or unblanched ground almonds or almond flour.

Measuring Your Almonds

Your probably thinking I don't need a lesson in measuring.  But for measuring the almonds, I used whole almonds before I ground them in my food processor. Doing it this way, I could ground up my own almonds on not have to guess about how many almonds would give me one cup worth of almonds ground up. Not sure if that makes sense to you. Ultimately 1 cup of whole almonds will yield about 1½ cups of ground almonds.

Ingredients Needed to Make Soft Amaretti Cookies

These soft Amaretti Cookies are made with a few simple ingredients, like:

  • Almonds
  • Almond Extract
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Egg Whites
  • Salt
  • Corn Starch
  • Icing Sugar

See recipe card for exact amounts.

How to Make Soft Amaretti

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two trays with parchment paper. Using a food processor to grind 2 cups of whole almonds. (or use 2 ½ cups of already ground almonds).

ground almonds in a grey bowl

In a large bowl, mix the ground almonds, sugar and corn starch.

Whipped Egg Whites in a grey bowl

Place the egg whites in a medium sized bowl and add salt. Beat the egg whites using a hand mixer until frothy.

egg white and almond ingredients in a grey bowl

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold to mix ingredients.

soft amaretti cookie dough in a grey bowl

Continue adding the dry ingredients until you get a sticky dough you can scoop and roll in your hand.

amaretti dough in a bowl with icing sugar

Using a tablespoon scoop dough into a dish filled with icing sugar and roll the dough in the icing sugar. Pick up the dough and roll in the palm of your hands until a ball forms.

amaretti cookies dough on parchment paper

Bake for about 15 minutes or until the tops start to crack and dry. The tops should be soft but dry. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cooled you can sprinkle more icing sugar on top.

Storage: These cookies freeze very well.  They can be stored in zipped bags at room temperature for about 2 to 3 weeks. 

You can also freeze them.  When you are ready to use them, you can take them from the freezer and place them in the fridge to thaw out. Once thawed out you can leave them at room temperature in a sealed container. You can store these cookies frozen for about 2 months.

Top Tips

The dough needs to be wet but a consistency that you can roll. Add more almond flour if your batter is to wet.

Ovens vary so watch carefully that your cookies don't scorch. They will be ready once the tops are cooked and dry but still soft inside.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few variations for making Amaretti Cookies. Since they are typically made with almonds, you might consider the following substitutions and variations:

  • Almonds - instead of using almonds, substitute them for another nut like pistachios, peanuts, or walnuts
  • Chocolate - add some chocolate or cocoa for a chocolate amaretti cookie
  • Espresso - add ground espresso powder to give them a kick, just 1 teaspoon should do the trick
  • Almond Extract - substitute the almond extract for Almond Liquor

The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

What's the difference between blanched and unblanched almonds?

The simple answer is that blanched almonds have had their skin removed while unblanched almonds still have the brown outer skin.

Can you use blanched almonds to make amaretti cookies?

Yes you can use blanched almonds to make amaretti cookies although they will have a slight sweeter less nutty taste.

Desserts to Try

  • frutti di bosco on a wooden cutting board with one slice removed
    Frutti di Bosco Tart
  • Italian Torrone with Nuts FI
    Soft and Chewy Italian Torrone (Nougat)
  • Single Serve Desserts Collage
    Single Serve Desserts Perfect for Two
  • baked nutella muffins on a kitchen towel
    Homemade Nutella Muffins

Recipe Details

Soft Amaretti Cookies stacked on a white counter

Soft Amaretti Cookies

https://easyhomemaderecipes.ca
AmyG
Soft Amaretti also known in Italian as Amaretti Morbidi are a traditional Italian cookie made from ground almonds. Not only are they chewy and soft, but they are also gluten free.
Like Italian cookies? Try my recipe for Italian Orange Cookies, Almond Crescent Cookies, my Nonna's S Cookie Recipe or Italian Peach Cookies.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Cookies
Cuisine Italian
Servings 50
Calories 56 kcal

Equipment

  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole almonds unblanched, (or 2 ½ cups ground almonds)
  • 1 cups sugar
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • 4 large egg whites
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • ½ cups icing sugar for rolling cookies

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two trays with parchment paper. Using a food processor to grind 2 cups of whole almonds. ( or use 2 ½ cups of already ground almonds)
  • In a large bowl, mix the ground almonds, sugar and corn starch.
  • Place the egg whites in a medium sized bowl and add salt. Beat the egg whites using a hand mixer until frothy. Add almond extract and continue to beat the eggs until soft peaks form.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold to mix ingredients. Continue adding the dry ingredients until you get a sticky dough you can scoop and roll in your hand. You may need more almond flour if your dough is too wet.
  • Using a tablespoon scoop dough into a dish filled with icing sugar and roll the dough in the icing sugar. Pick up the dough and roll in the palm of your hands until a ball forms, then transfer to baking sheet. Dough should be about 1" in diameter and you should leave space between the cookies.
  • All ovens are different so watch the cookies so that they don't burn. Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the tops start to crack and dry. The tops should be soft but dry. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cooled you can sprinkle more icing sugar on top.

Notes

Top Tips

The dough needs to be wet but a consistency that you can roll. Add more almond flour if your batter is to wet.
Ovens vary so watch carefully that your cookies don't scorch. They will be ready once the tops are cooked and dry but still soft inside.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 16mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 0.1IUCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword Amaretti Cookies, Amaretto, Christmas Cookie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

PIN For Later Here

Soft Amaretti Cookies stacked on a white counter PIN

Food Safety

Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.

Remember to:

  • Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.

More Cookie Recipes

  • chinulille on a red plate FI
    Mom's Recipe for Calabrese Chinulille
  • Biscotti Savoiardi in a China Plate FI
    Savoiardi Ladyfinger Biscuits
  • Orange cookies on a white plate
    Italian Orange Cookies Biscotti All'Arancia
  • cookies in a green plate
    Nonna's Italian S Cookies Recipe

Comments

    4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Marie Ahsan says

    December 18, 2022 at 9:18 am

    You have 3 to 6 eggs ??
    What do you mean here?

    Reply
    • AmyG says

      December 18, 2022 at 9:22 am

      Hi Marie,
      It depends on the size of the egg. I usually whip up more than I need and add it to the dry ingredients a little at a time until I have a dough that I can roll, but isn't too wet.

      Reply
  2. Angie says

    December 15, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    How much flour do you need for this recipe?

    Reply
    • AmyG says

      December 17, 2021 at 8:35 pm

      Hi Angie,
      Thanks for stopping by. Traditional flour is not used in Amaretto Cookies. The almond meal serves as the flour. They are delicious!

      Reply
  3. Sabrina Currie says

    December 14, 2020 at 10:12 am

    So tasty! I love this simple recipe. The cookies are so addictive!

    Reply
    • AmyG says

      December 15, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      Yes, they are!

      Reply
  4. Terri says

    December 13, 2020 at 9:28 pm

    I've never had amaretto cookies and definitely need them in my life! I love that they are gluten-free!

    Reply
  5. Kristen says

    December 13, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    These sound lovely, I will be adding them to my baking list as they are different than what we normally do.

    Reply
  6. Sadia Malik says

    December 09, 2020 at 12:31 am

    I will totally do the same as you use half and half to get the best of both worlds. These cookies are delicious and easy

    Reply
    • AmyG says

      December 09, 2020 at 6:53 am

      Hi Sadia,
      Let me know how they turn out!

      Reply

Recent Recipes

  • Pork Braciole in a white plate drizzled with Pesto Sauce
    Italian Pork Braciole Stuffed with Prosciutto & Ground Beef

  • fried chicken cutlets in a white plate
    Easy Italian Chicken Cutlets

  • peas and mushrooms in a white plate
    Italian Peas and Mushrooms

  • Veal Piccata garnished with sliced lemons and parsley
    Italian Veal Piccata

  • Sauteed Kale and Potatoes in a white plate
    Sautéed Kale and Potatoes Recipe

  • steak pizzaiola in a white plate garnished with parsley
    Steak Pizzaiola Recipe

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
and get ready to take your puff pastry game to the next level with our FREE e-book, because life is too short to settle for mediocre pastries.
Yes! Send me a FREE eBook, I want to make pastries like a pro!

This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

About Me

Picture of Amy Outside

Hey, I'm Amy! And I'm so happy you're here!! So many of my favorite memories in life seem to take place around the table, especially when surrounded by the people I love. And of course, all the better when nourished by some seriously delicious food.

Stick around and explore the site to get great ideas.

Learn more about me →

Affiliate Links Message

*This page may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!

  • Paleo

  • Whole30

  • Desserts

  • Main Entrées


  • Poultry

  • Meatless

  • Seafood

  • Beef

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Me

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Reach Out

  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2025 Easy Homemade Recipes
Cook'd Pro using the Feast Theme Plugin

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.