To start with, gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need 2 ½ cups of almond flour, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 large egg whites, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Additionally, you can have some additional powdered sugar for rolling the cookies. Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re all set to begin.
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix them well until they are evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites, almond extract, and vanilla extract until frothy. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft and sticky dough forms. Make sure that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now comes the fun part – shaping the cookies! Scoop out the dough using a cookie scoop, or simply use your hands to roll small portions of dough into balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. This dough can be quite sticky, so make sure to wet your hands with water or dust them with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Once you have formed all the cookie balls, it’s time to give them the signature Amaretti cookie look. Roll each ball into powdered sugar until evenly coated. This step not only adds a lovely appearance but also enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Place the coated cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges. The cookies will still feel slightly soft to the touch, but they will firm up as they cool.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be careful when handling the cookies at this stage as they can still be delicate.
Soft Amaretti cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They make for a delightful treat during teatime or as an after-meal indulgence. These cookies can also be a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during special occasions.
In conclusion, making soft Amaretti cookies at home is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create these delectable almond-based treats that will impress everyone. So, why not give it a try and discover the joy of baking your own batch of soft Amaretti cookies? Happy baking!