Imagine biting into a cloud-like cookie that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, without worrying about gluten! These Ridiculously Easy Italian Lemon Amaretti Cookies are not just a treat—they're a culinary revelation that will make your taste buds dance and your guests marvel at your baking skills. With just six simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a batch of heavenly cookies that are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with bright lemon and almond flavors.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 20 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Add the almond flour and salt, whisking together until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until they become light and frothy, forming soft peaks. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold the lemon zest and almond extract into the beaten egg whites, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Gradually add the egg white mixture to the almond flour and sugar mixture, stirring carefully with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Optional: Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with additional powdered sugar for a classic amaretti appearance.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked and set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will maintain their delicate, crisp exterior and soft interior.
Tips
- Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating
- Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumpy dough and achieve a smooth texture
- Use a light hand when folding ingredients to maintain the delicate airiness of the cookies
- For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop or weigh each cookie ball
- Don't overbake—the cookies should be golden at the edges but still slightly soft
- Let cookies cool completely to develop their signature crisp-yet-chewy texture
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption
- For extra elegance, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving
- Experiment with different extracts like orange or vanilla for flavor variations
- These cookies are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
