Make soft and chewy gluten-free amaretti cookies in three flavors: vanilla citrus, fragrant orange blossom, or rich chocolate almond.
Delicately crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft and chewy in the center, these Gluten-Free Amaretti Cookies are elegant Italian almond cookies with beautiful crackled tops. Their rich almond flavor and snowy confectioners’ sugar coating make them perfect for holiday cookie trays, afternoon tea, and special occasions.
This recipe includes three distinct variations: bright Vanilla Citrus Amaretti, fragrant Orange Blossom Amaretti, and rich Chocolate Amaretti. Pick one option before beginning. Each option is a separate recipe variation, so do not combine the ingredient lists.
The Vanilla Citrus option combines almond extract with fresh orange and lemon zest. The Orange Blossom option adds 1 teaspoon of aromatic orange blossom water to the citrus almond dough. The Chocolate option features cocoa powder and an optional touch of almond extract for a deeper dessert flavor.
Serve these homemade amaretti cookies with coffee, espresso, or tea. They are naturally gluten-free because they are made with finely ground almonds instead of wheat flour.
Directions
For the Vanilla Citrus or Orange Blossom Amaretti Cookies
Step 1: Pick One Flavor Option
Choose either the Vanilla Citrus Amaretti Cookies or the Orange Blossom Amaretti Cookies. Measure the ingredients listed under your selected option. Do not combine both ingredient lists.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Stack two heavy-duty baking sheets together to help prevent the bottoms of the cookies from browning too quickly. Line the top baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Place the sifted almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until evenly combined and no almond flour lumps remain.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites
Place the egg whites and lemon juice in a separate clean, dry mixing bowl. Beat until the egg whites form soft peaks.
Step 5: Add the Selected Flavorings
For Vanilla Citrus Amaretti Cookies, add the whipped egg whites, almond extract, orange zest, and lemon zest to the almond mixture.
For Orange Blossom Amaretti Cookies, add the whipped egg whites, almond extract, orange zest, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon orange blossom water to the almond mixture.
Stir until a soft, evenly combined, sticky dough forms. Use your hands if needed to incorporate the ingredients completely.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Place confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl. Lightly dust your hands with additional confectioners’ sugar to prevent the dough from sticking.
Scoop the dough into small portions measuring approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, and then coat it generously with confectioners’ sugar.
Step 7: Arrange the Cookies
Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 1 inch of space between them.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully cracked and the bottoms are lightly golden. For a crispier texture, bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes while watching the cookies carefully.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes.
Carefully transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving.
For the Chocolate Amaretti Cookies
Step 1: Pick the Chocolate Option
Use only the ingredients listed under Option 3: Chocolate Amaretti Cookies. Do not combine them with the Vanilla Citrus or Orange Blossom ingredient lists.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Place the finely ground blanched almonds, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the almond mixture.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites
Place the egg whites and lemon juice in a separate clean, dry bowl. Whisk until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dough
Add the whipped egg whites, cold water, and optional almond extract to the dry ingredients. Gently mix until a soft, sticky chocolate dough forms.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Place the confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl. Use a cookie scoop to divide the dough into small portions slightly smaller than walnuts.
Roll each portion into a ball, and then coat it completely in confectioners’ sugar.
Step 7: Arrange the Cookies
Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have developed their characteristic crackled appearance.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Pick one option before beginning: Vanilla Citrus, Orange Blossom, or Chocolate. Each ingredient list produces a separate batch of cookies.
The Orange Blossom Amaretti Cookies use 1 teaspoon orange blossom water. Measure it carefully so its floral aroma complements the almond and citrus flavors.
Use finely ground almond flour or finely ground blanched almonds for the best texture. Sifting the almond flour helps create smoother, more evenly shaped cookies.
Whip the egg whites in a completely clean, dry bowl. Traces of grease or egg yolk can prevent the whites from reaching the proper volume.
The dough is supposed to be soft and sticky. Dusting your hands with confectioners’ sugar will make the cookies easier to shape.
Coat each cookie generously with confectioners’ sugar to create the traditional white, crackled surface.
For a stronger chocolate flavor, add 1 tablespoon espresso powder to the Chocolate Amaretti dough.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
The cooled cookies may be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Separate the layers with parchment paper to protect the confectioners’ sugar coating.
These cookies are naturally gluten-free. When serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, check the almond flour, cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, extracts, orange blossom water, and all other packaged ingredients for appropriate gluten-free labeling. Prevent cross-contact by using clean bowls, utensils, baking sheets, and work surfaces.
