Description
Nonna’s Mascarpone Almond Amaretti Cookies are delicate Italian treats offering a perfect blend of almond flour and mascarpone cheese for a moist, tender texture. Lightly sweetened and flavored with almond and vanilla extracts, these gluten-free cookies feature a crackled top and optional sliced almonds for added crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients & Flavorings
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 large egg white
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Topping
- Sliced almonds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform base for your dough.
- Add Flavor and Mascarpone: Stir in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and room-temperature mascarpone cheese. Mix until a thick dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg white with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This step adds lightness and structure to the cookies.
- Fold Egg Whites into Dough: Gently fold the beaten egg white into the almond mixture until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Lightly coat each ball in powdered sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie for garnish.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 18–20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing or serving to let them set properly.
Notes
- Use room-temperature mascarpone for the best texture and easier mixing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for making ahead.
- Using a small cookie scoop helps ensure consistent cookie size.
