Amaretti di Gallarate - Italian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat: 5g (0.4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (7g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the almond flour and granulated sugar.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the frothy egg whites and vanilla extract to the almond flour mixture. Mix until well combined and a sticky dough forms.
5. 5.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches (5cm) apart.
6. 6.
   Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten it.
7. 7.
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar.
11. 11.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure you are using finely ground almond flour for the best texture in the cookies.
• Granulated sugar — If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Egg whites — Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before whisking to achieve the desired frothy consistency.
• Vanilla extract — Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of almond extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the almond flour and granulated sugar in a food processor before mixing with the egg whites.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• These cookies make a lovely gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
• If you want a more pronounced almond flavor, you can sprinkle some finely chopped almonds on top of the cookies before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Amaretti di Gallarate alongside a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian pairing. They are also delightful when enjoyed with a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Amaretti di Gallarate on a serving platter or a decorative plate. Dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish the plate with a few whole almonds or a sprig of fresh mint for added visual appeal.