Soft Amaretti Cookies with Orange Zest (Almond Cookies)
By Zeina Haddad
Published:
Hi there 👋 I’m Zeina Haddad. I believe that food doesn't need to "look perfect", but to "taste more than perfect"! As author of “My Mama Knows Best!”, I share authentic Lebanese and global recipes. My Promise to You: 100% AI-Free recipes. Every dish is written by me, tested by me, and tasted by my family. Join me in celebrating the joy of slow, intentional cooking.
Description
These Amaretti with Orange Zest are the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Unlike the crunchy store-bought version, these homemade almond cookies are soft, chewy, and moderately sweet. The fresh orange zest cuts through the richness of the almond flour, creating a light and aromatic bite that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
Because they are made entirely with almond flour, they are naturally gluten-free and grain-free!
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions to ensure your Amaretti are perfect every time:
It is best to use Almond Flour (blanched almonds ground to a fine powder) which gives that classic, pale, soft interior. Almond meal includes the skins and will result in a darker, coarser cookie. If your almond flour seems clumpy, sift it before mixing it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
The first roll in granulated sugar creates a barrier that keeps the cookie moist and adds a slight crunch. The second roll in powdered sugar provides the signature white "crinkle" look. If you skip the granulated sugar, the powdered sugar often melts into the cookie while baking.
Since these are soft cookies, air causes them to dry out quickly. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them on the counter for an hour before serving.
Spreading usually happens because the air was knocked out of the egg whites. When adding the heavy almond flour, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature (150°C Fan / 170°C Static).
The cookies ahead of baking.
Soft Amaretti Cookies with Orange Zest (Almond Cookies)
🍴 Dessert
🌍 Italian
Yields:
32 cookies
Chewy, soft Amaretti cookies made with almond flour and infused with fresh orange zest. These gluten-free almond cookies feature a crispy double-sugar coating and a soft marzipan-like interior.
Ingredients
The Cookie Dough
For Rolling & Coating
Instructions
1.
Prepare the Dry Mix: In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour and the 180 g of white granulated sugar until combined.
2.
Whip the Egg Whites: Place the egg whites and a pinch of salt in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
3.
The First Fold: Add roughly 1/3 of the almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites. Fold it in gently using a spatula—be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much.
4.
Add Flavor: Gently fold in the fresh orange zest and the almond extract.
5.
Finish the Dough: Fold in another 1/3 of the almond flour mixture. Finally, fold in the remaining mixture. You are looking for a thick, paste-like texture.
6.
Shape the Cookies: Using two tablespoons or a cookie scoop, scoop out mounds of the dough. (Tip 💡: Use a kitchen scale to measure them into 32 equal-sized mounds for even baking).
7.
The "Double Roll" Technique:
First, roll each mound in the plate of granulated sugar, then form them into round balls with your hands.
Next, transfer the balls into the bowl of powdered sugar and roll again to coat them completely.
8.
Bake: Arrange the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press each one gently with your hand to lightly flatten it.
Bake at 170°C (150 °C fan) for 20 minutes. (If you know your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature by 10 °C.)
Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring, as they will be soft when hot.
Nutrition
per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 128 Kcal | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 12 g | Fibers: 2 g | Sugar: 9 g | Protein: 4 g
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
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©2025 – 2026 Parsley Me This! by Zeina Haddad
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