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Italian Amaretti Cookie RecipeAmaretti are small macaroons classically made of almond paste or ground almonds. This Italian amaretti cookie recipe is probably not the same one created in the 1700's but who knows? Personally I can't imagine someone hastily throwing together a new recipe for an important guest but that's how legend says that this cookie came about. Supposedly a young couple needed a gift for a visit by the Cardinal of Milan so they swiftly gathered sacks of almonds, some sugar, eggs and flour and created the first Amaretti cookie. Surely to goodness they tried it at least once before the visit! Almond PasteIf you're not familiar with almond paste it's made of blanched ground almonds, sugar and glycerin or another liquid. Almond extract is sometimes added to intensify the flavor. Almond paste is available in most supermarkets in tubes or 8-ounce cans. If you have a choice opt for the can. Superfine SugarSuperfine sugar is more finely granulated than regular sugar and it will dissolve almost instantly. This makes it perfect for meringues and cold liquids. It's known in Britain as castor sugar. You can make your own superfine sugar by just pulsing regular sugar in a blender for 30 seconds or so. Italian Amaretti Cookie Recipe8 ounces almond paste Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Break up almond paste. Beat egg whites until foamy and add to paste and mix well. Slowly add the sugar mixing well after each addition. Add flour to almond mixture and mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet. A piping bag with a 1 inch round tip well yield a more consistent sized cookie. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and Bake 20 minutes. This Italian amaretti cookie recipe will yield about 40 cookies. They can also be flavored with various other ingredients such as chocolate, maraschino cherries or orange peel. Frequently amaretti are used in other recipes to add extra crunch and flavor. |
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