Amaretti di Sassello - Italian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) finely ground almonds 250g (2 cups) finely ground almonds
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the finely ground almonds and granulated sugar.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the frothy egg whites to the almond-sugar mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. 5.
   Stir in the almond extract to enhance the flavor.
6. 6.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
7. 7.
   Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. 8.
   Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten it.
9. 9.
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly cracked on the surface.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
11. 11.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve the desired texture in the cookies.
• Egg whites — Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before whisking them to achieve maximum volume.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of amaretto liqueur to the dough.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the amount of almond extract slightly.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Serving advice

Serve these delightful Amaretti di Sassello cookies with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Amaretti di Sassello cookies on a beautiful platter and dust them with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also place them in decorative cookie boxes or jars for gifting.