Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies Recipe for Crispy Almond Biscuits

Lying somewhere between a meringue and a cookie, amaretti biscuits are a light, delicious treat to keep in the biscuit tin.

Homemade Amarreti - The Hedgecombers

They pair perfectly with a strong black coffee.

Try them crumbled over ice cream for a crisp contrast in texture, or simply eat them one by one when no one is watching.

Amarretti Biscuits - The Hedgecombers

Made from simple ingredients, amaretti are well worth baking from scratch.

They’re easy and fun to make, and look impressive on a plate. A pretty tin filled with these biscuits also makes a thoughtful gift for a foodie.

Amarretti Biscuits - The Hedgecombers

Homemade Amaretti biscuits on a wooden background
Amaretti Biscuits
Author: Jane Sarchet
Ingredients
  • 125
    g
    ground almonds
  • 125
    g
    icing sugar
  • 1
    level tablespoon plain flour
  • 2
    egg whites
  • 75
    g
    caster sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas 4.
  2. Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar while whisking until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
  3. Fold in the ground almonds, icing sugar and flour gently, just until combined—avoid overworking the mixture.
  4. Spoon or pipe 1–1.5-inch mounds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  5. Dip a finger in water and lightly tap the top of each mound to smooth the surface.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the amaretti are a pale golden brown.
  7. Turn the oven off and leave the amaretti inside with the door slightly ajar until completely cool. This helps them dry out and stay crisp.