Soft Almond Amaretti with measured ingredients, amaretti shaping and clear oven cues for a holiday cookie box.
Weigh the ingredients before starting. US measures accompany the gram weights; visual cues, tray spacing and complete batch timings are included below.
The recipe card lists measured ingredients, numbered steps, storage guidance, and a nutrition estimate when available. Total time includes the listed preparation, rest, baking, and cooling periods for this recipe.
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Soft Almond Amaretti Recipe
Makes 24 amaretti. Portion at the weights in the method and bake on cool lined trays.
Allow about 114 minutes total: 20 active, 30 chilling, 24 baking and 40 cooling/setting. Baking time covers every tray in this batch.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- Digital kitchen scale and measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls and flexible spatula
- Two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Dough
Finishing and decoration
Gram weights are the reference; weigh flour rather than packing the measuring cup. Weigh eggs without shells. Use commercially prepared fillings; do not taste raw dough.
Instructions
Prepare the pans and oven
- Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds. Heat a conventional oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment. Weigh all ingredients before mixing.
Whip and shape the amaretti
- Whisk almond flour, sugar and salt. In a clean bowl whip egg whites to soft peaks, 2–3 minutes. Fold dry ingredients and almond extract into the whites until a sticky paste forms. Scoop 24 mounds (about 20 g each), roll in powdered sugar and space 4 cm apart.
Set the tray before baking
- Follow the recipe-specific shaping instructions above. Leave at least 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) between portions; line a second tray for remaining dough.
Bake the amaretti
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are cracked and the bottoms lightly golden. Cool 10 minutes on the tray, then move carefully to a rack.
Cool and finish
- Rest cookies on the baking sheet for 8 minutes, then move to a rack and cool at least 25 minutes. Let cookies cool completely before adding any separately listed finish or packing them.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Portion evenly
Use the listed piece weight so the batch bakes at a similar rate; leave the stated space for spreading.
Check doneness
Use the visual cues in the method and let the cookies firm on the hot tray before moving them.
Make ahead
Freeze unfilled dough or plain baked cookies for up to one month for best quality; finish after thawing.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf life at room temperature | Up to 5 days | Cool completely and store airtight with parchment between layers. |
| Refrigerated shelf life | Not needed for plain cookies | Keep dough covered up to 24 hours before baking. |
| Freezer durability: raw dough | Up to 1 month for best quality | Freeze shaped, unfilled portions or wrapped dough airtight. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; apply coatings after thawing. |
| Freezer durability: baked cookies | Up to 1 month for best quality | Freeze completely cool cookies airtight with parchment between layers; freeze plain cookies before adding moist fillings or delicate decorations. |
| Safe thawing | Before serving | Thaw covered in the refrigerator if filled; thaw plain cookies at room temperature while still wrapped to reduce condensation. |
Notes
- Freezer durations describe best quality, not a food-safety guarantee. Keep perishable fillings chilled and use safe thawing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the dough ahead?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then portion and bake as directed. Freeze longer-term and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes. Freeze fully cooled plain cookies airtight for up to one month for best quality; add delicate fillings or finishes after thawing.
How do I know they are done?
Follow the recipe’s visual cue: edges should be set, centers may still be soft, and shortbread should remain pale. Cool on the tray before moving.
Browse more cookie ideas in the Christmas Cookie Box Recipes collection.