One of the most popular of all Italian cookies, these Chewy Amaretti or Italian Almond cookies have a crisp exterior and amazing chewy texture on the inside!
Christmas is literally just around the corner and if you’re looking for one more cookie recipe to fill up your cookie tray, these Chewy Amaretti are the perfect choice! I never truly appreciated these cookies until I finally learned to make them myself. I’ve tried tons of bakery bought Amaretti throughout the years. But now that I’ve made my own, I definitely never need to buy any again.
How to make Chewy Amaretti:
The main ingredient, of course, is almond flour, which does not come cheap but is worth the splurge.
Sugar and an egg are beaten together in a bowl. Next, the flavorings are added: amaretto extract and a bit of almond extract. Most Amaretti recipes I’ve seen don’t add any almond extract but I feel it really heightens the almond flavor. I also experimented with Amaretto liqueur, however I preferred the flavor with the extract instead.
The sugar/egg mixture is then mixed with almond flour to which a bit of flour and baking powder is added. Roll the dough into little balls which are lightly dredged in powdered sugar. This is what gives them their crackled appearance when baked. I like to top mine with almonds or maraschino cherries for a festive appearance, but you can also leave them plain.
Check out my step by step video on making Chewy Amaretti!
Tips for making Chewy Amaretti:
- If you don’t have access to amaretto extract, you may substitute with Amaretto liqueur. Use from 1-2 tablespoons as the amaretto extract is more concentrated. You may also have to add a bit more almond flour in order to achieve a firmer dough.
- The key to getting a cookie with a crisp exterior and chewy interior is the right dough texture. I tried numerous times and got flat and crispy cookies. Apparently my dough was too soft. With these cookies a harder dough results in a cookie that retains its shape and remains chewy inside.
Here are a few other favorite holiday cookies!
Classic Almond Biscotti with Variations
Tetù (Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies)
These cookies are perfect any time of the year, not just the holidays. Give them a try and don’t forget to send me a photo of your Chewy Amaretti or tag me with @mangiabedda or #mangiabedda on Facebook or Instagram.
Happy holidays dear readers and lots of health and happiness for the New Year!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Amaretto extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups almond flour
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- powdered sugar for dredging
- almonds or maraschino cherries for topping if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg and sugar. Stir in the Amaretto and almond extracts. Add the almond flour and stir until combined. Stir in the flour and baking powder until a firm dough is formed.
- Shape heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into a ball. Lightly dredge in the powdered sugar, shaking off excess sugar. Place on baking sheet and top with an almond or maraschino cherry, if desired. Continue with remaining dough.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and the tops of the cookies are crackled. Cool on a rack.
Notes
- If you don't have access to amaretto extract, you may substitute with Amaretto liqueur. Use from 1-2 tablespoons as the amaretto extract is more concentrated. You may also have to add a bit more almond flour in order to achieve a firmer dough.
- The key to getting a cookie with a crisp exterior and chewy interior is the right dough texture. I tried numerous times and got flat and crispy cookies. Apparently my dough was too soft. With these cookies a harder dough results in a cookie that retains its shape and remains chewy inside.
- Please note that the nutritional information provided is approximate and may vary according to exact ingredients used.
Nutrition
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Hi Nadia,
I have ground almonds in my pantry, can I use this in place of almond flour?
Thanks
Grace
Ground almonds work fine! Enjoy!
I made 5 batches of these over Christmas some as gifts and others served up with coffee to visitors. They are simple to make and absolutely delicious!
Hi Anna, wow you have outdone me! However, these cookies are so easy to make I can imagine how you whipped out 5 batches in no time. So glad to hear you enjoyed them and happy new year to you!