Amaretti Orestano(Italian Macaroons)
Delicate Italian amaretti with a rich almond flavor, crispy edges, and chewy centers. Perfect for almond lovers or as an elegant treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blanch almonds and place in a warm oven for 5 minutes to dry completely.
- Chop almonds very fine until a powder.
- Add sugar and mix well.
- Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry.
- Add beaten egg whites to the almond and sugar mixture.
- Add almond extract and blend all together gently but thoroughly.
- Butter and flour a baking sheet and drop batter by spoonfuls.
- Leave 1 inch between cookies.
- Shape spoonfuls of batter into ovals.
- Sprinkle with confectioners sugar.
- Let stand for 2 hours.
- Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes or until delicately brown in color.
Tips & Substitutions
For a finer almond powder, use a food processor and pulse the almonds until they are almost flour-like, but be careful not to turn them into almond butter. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute part of the almonds with hazelnuts for a different flavor. Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beaten.
Serving Suggestions
These amaretti pair beautifully with a cup of espresso or a dessert wine, making them a delightful end to an Italian meal. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Italian Brownies or as part of a dessert platter featuring various Italian recipes. They also make a lovely gift when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover amaretti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers of cookies. Reheat them briefly in a warm oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness if they become soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amaretti Orestano(Italian Macaroons) contains roughly 101 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-ground almond flour instead of whole almonds?
Yes, you can use almond flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Start with about 1 1/2 cups of almond flour to replace the 1/2 lb. of whole almonds. Ensure it’s finely ground for best results.
What should I do if my egg whites don't whip up properly?
Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. If the egg whites are not whipping, try adding a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize them. Also, ensure no yolk gets into the whites as this can prevent them from whipping.
Can I freeze the amaretti dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Scoop the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).