Description
Nonna’s Mascarpone Almond Amaretti Cookies are delicate Italian treats that marry the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese with the nutty flavor of almond flour. Perfectly tender with a slightly cracked top and a subtle crunch from sliced almonds, these gluten-free and vegetarian cookies make for a delightful dessert or snack.
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
- 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: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix almond flour, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt thoroughly ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Add Flavors and Mascarpone: Stir in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and mascarpone cheese until a thick, cohesive dough forms, creating the base for the cookie texture.
- Beat Egg White: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg white with cream of tartar on high speed until stiff peaks form, which will help give the cookies their characteristic lightness and rise.
- Fold Egg White Into Dough: Gently fold the beaten egg white into the almond mixture being careful not to deflate the air incorporated, to maintain the dough’s airy texture.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Lightly coat each ball in powdered sugar to provide a delicate, sweet crust.
- Arrange and Top: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Optionally, gently press sliced almonds onto the tops for an elegant finish and added crunch.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops develop their signature cracks, ensuring a perfect bake without overcooking.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to set the texture properly before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best texture and easier mixing, use room-temperature mascarpone cheese.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.
- Use a small cookie scoop to create uniformly sized cookies for consistent baking results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
