Name: Amaretti Morbidi Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488659H55M17S
Total time: PT-488659H55M17S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups ground almonds (200g); 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (150g); 2 large egg whites; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; Powdered sugar for coating

Delicate on the outside and irresistibly chewy within, Amaretti Morbidi are a classic Italian treat that’s pure comfort with every bite. This easy yet decadent recipe produces cookies with a tender heart, aromatic almond flavor, and a snow-white crackled finish. Perfect with your afternoon coffee or as an elegant homemade gift, Amaretti Morbidi are an irresistible way to bring a touch of Italian bliss right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only a handful of simple ingredients stand between you and a batch of authentic Amaretti Morbidi. Each one plays a starring role, working together to create the cookie’s signature chew, delicate aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ground almonds: The foundation of Amaretti Morbidi, ground almonds lend richness and that signature nutty flavor.
Powdered sugar: For sweetness and a velvety crumb, powdered sugar makes the cookies tender and gives them their signature dusted look.
Egg whites: Whipped to peaks, egg whites add lightness and bind everything into that wonderfully chewy center.
Almond extract: Just a splash intensifies the almond aroma, making every bite fragrant and authentic.
Extra powdered sugar (for coating): This final roll gives Amaretti Morbidi their snowy, crackled exterior and keeps them soft inside.

How to Make Amaretti Morbidi

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 325°F (160°C) so it’s ready to go. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Almonds and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds and powdered sugar. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk. This step ensures each cookie tastes balanced: nutty yet perfectly sweet without a single grain out of place.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate, clean bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. You’ll know they’re ready when the whites stand tall and glossy when you lift the beaters. This is the secret to that unforgettable Amaretti Morbidi chew.

Step 4: Gently Fold Together

Add the almond extract to the egg whites, then gently fold the fluffy whites into the almond-sugar mixture. Use a spatula and smooth, patient strokes—your goal is a soft, even dough that holds together without losing all that lovely air you whipped in.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each one generously in powdered sugar—don’t be shy! This snowy layer turns into those iconic cracks and keeps the cookies tender.

Step 6: Arrange and Flatten

Place the dough balls a couple of inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press each cookie to flatten just a touch. This helps them bake up with classic cracks while preserving that moist interior Amaretti Morbidi are known for.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are just cracking and the cookies feel set on the edges but are still soft in the center. Watch closely—the magic is in that soft, not dry, finish! Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

How to Serve Amaretti Morbidi

Garnishes

For a festive touch, dust your Amaretti Morbidi with a fresh shower of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also top each cookie with a single toasted almond for a classic look or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a robust Italian espresso, an afternoon cappuccino, or a pot of aromatic black tea. They’re also lovely alongside a dish of vanilla gelato or a fruit compote, letting their almond flavor shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, pile Amaretti Morbidi high on a pretty platter or pack them in a decorative tin as a homemade gift. For something unique, sandwich two cookies around a dab of tart apricot jam or creamy mascarpone for an irresistible mini dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Amaretti Morbidi in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week; just be sure to layer parchment between cookies to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

Amaretti Morbidi freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or zip bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to recapture that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3–4 minutes. They’ll come out just as beautifully tender and aromatic as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?

Absolutely! Almond flour is a fine substitute for ground almonds in Amaretti Morbidi. Just make sure it’s the blanched, finely-milled type for the best texture.

Why didn’t my cookies crack on top?

If your cookies didn’t develop cracks, it’s likely either the dough was too wet or you didn’t coat them with enough powdered sugar. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the dough—gentle folding is key.

Are Amaretti Morbidi gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses ground almonds instead of flour. Always check your ingredients to be sure they’re certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Can I add flavors like orange or lemon zest?

Absolutely! Citrus zest adds a lovely brightness to Amaretti Morbidi. Try adding half a teaspoon of finely grated zest to the dough for a subtle twist.

What’s the difference between Amaretti Morbidi and other amaretti?

Amaretti Morbidi are the soft, chewy cousins of the classic crisp amaretti cookies. The secret is in the egg whites and careful baking, which keep the centers moist and tender instead of crunchy.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of baking (and sharing!) a fresh batch of Amaretti Morbidi. With simple ingredients and a timeless almond flavor, they’re destined to become a cherished favorite in your homemade cookie repertoire. Give them a try—you just might find yourself making these little bites of joy again and again!

Amaretti Morbidi Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Amaretti Morbidi are traditional Italian soft almond cookies that are delicate and delicious. These gluten-free treats are perfect for any occasion.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: About 20 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Dough:

2 cups ground almonds (200g)
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (150g)

Additional:

2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground almonds and powdered sugar.
Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the beaten egg whites and almond extract into the almond mixture until it forms a dough.
Form Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and coat them with powdered sugar.
Bake: Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, slightly flatten them, and bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly cracked on top but soft in the center.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool before serving.