Easy Italian Almond Paste Cookies

There’s a certain magic to walking into an Italian bakery, where the air is thick with the sweet, intoxicating scent of almonds. These Italian Almond Paste Cookies capture that exact feeling. With their beautifully cracked tops, chewy, dense centers, and an intense almond flavor that’s simply unforgettable, they are a true classic. What’s even better? They are surprisingly simple to make and happen to be naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for just about everyone.

These cookies, often called Amaretti or Ricciarelli in Italy, rely on the pure, rich flavor of almond paste. The result is a cookie that’s less about flour and butter and all about that nutty, marzipan-like goodness. They are perfect for holiday cookie platters, an elegant dessert alongside a cup of espresso, or a simple afternoon indulgence.

Why make this recipe

You’ll fall in love with these cookies for so many reasons, but here are the highlights:

Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, this dough comes together in about 5 minutes. It’s a fantastic recipe for bakers of all skill levels.

Authentic Bakery Flavor: These taste just like the fancy cookies you’d buy at a specialty Italian pastry shop. The secret is using good quality almond paste.

Unbeatable Texture: If you love a chewy cookie, this is the one for you. They have a satisfyingly dense and moist interior with a slightly crisp exterior, especially with the added crunch of sliced almonds.

Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe contains no flour, making it a wonderful option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check that your brand of almond paste is certified gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 16 oz almond paste (store bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Sliced almonds for rolling
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

How to make Italian Almond Paste Cookies

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: In the bowl of a food processor, break up the almond paste into roughly 1-inch pieces. Add the granulated sugar, salt, lightly beaten egg whites, and the teaspoon of almond extract.

Step 3: Process all the ingredients together until a completely smooth, uniform paste forms. The resulting dough will be quite wet and sticky, which is exactly how it should be.

Step 4: Transfer the sticky dough to a bowl, cover it, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. You can even make the dough ahead and chill it for up to 3 days.

Step 5: Once chilled, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough (about 25 grams each). Roll the dough between your palms to form 1-inch balls.

Step 6: Place the sliced almonds in a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the almonds, gently pressing them onto the sides. The stickiness of the dough will help the nuts adhere.

Step 7: Arrange the almond-coated cookies on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or just until the bottom edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make them hard instead of chewy.

Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

These almond cookies are divine on their own, especially with a hot cup of coffee or a strong espresso to balance their sweetness. They make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie tray or dessert platter. For an extra touch of elegance, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

How to store Italian Almond Paste Cookies

Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. The almond flavor actually tends to deepen after a day or two! You can also freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Tips to make

Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is the most important step! It firms up the sticky paste, making it possible to roll into balls. Don’t rush this part.

Use a Food Processor: While you might be able to mix this by hand with some effort, a food processor ensures the almond paste breaks down completely and incorporates smoothly with the sugar for the perfect texture.

Watch the Bake Time: The key to a chewy almond cookie is to slightly underbake it. Pull them from the oven as soon as the bottoms are just starting to color. They will continue to set as they cool on the pan.

Explore Italian Cookies: If you love the simple elegance of Italian baking, you should also try these incredible Italian Ricotta Cookies for a softer, cake-like treat.

FAQs About Italian Almond Paste Cookies

What is the difference between almond paste and marzipan?

Almond paste is less sweet and has a coarser texture, making it ideal for baking into recipes like this. Marzipan has a much higher sugar content and is smoother, typically used for making candies or decorative figures. They are not interchangeable in this recipe.

Why is my dough so sticky?

That’s completely normal for this type of cookie! The dough is primarily almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, which creates a very sticky mixture. The mandatory chilling step is what makes it firm enough to handle and roll.

Can I make these without a food processor?

Yes, but it will require some elbow grease. You’ll need to break the almond paste into very small pieces and use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer to beat it with the sugar until it’s as smooth as possible before adding the other ingredients.

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Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the pure, unadulterated flavor of these chewy Italian Almond Paste Cookies. They are a timeless classic for a reason—simple, elegant, and addictively delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special holiday or just because, they are sure to become a new favorite. From these chewy almond classics to our festive Cannoli Cookies Recipe, Italian baking brings so much joy and deliciousness to the kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

Italian Almond Paste Cookies Recipe

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