Amaretti Morbidi (Soft, Chewy Italian Almond Cookies)

Amaretti Morbidi are the soft, chewy cousins of the classic, crunchy amaretti biscuits. These naturally gluten-free Italian almond cookies are highly prized for their moist, tender center and their signature delicate, crackled crust. Made from a simple paste of finely ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, they are intensely flavored with almond extract and often balanced with lemon or orange zest. They are a staple across Italy, often served with dessert wine or coffee, offering a light, intensely aromatic bite.

History: Almonds and Simplicity

Amaretti, meaning “little bitter things” (referencing the bitter almonds traditionally used), originated in Italy, with several regions claiming their own specific variations. The soft (morbidi) variety is particularly popular in Sicily and Sardinia, where almonds are abundant. This simple cookie represents Italian confectionery at its purest: utilizing minimal, high-quality ingredients (almonds and sugar) to achieve maximum flavor and texture contrast—a crisp shell yielding to a moist, marzipan-like interior.

Ingredients: The Perfect Paste

Because the cookies rely on so few ingredients, quality is crucial:

Almonds: Use very finely ground almond flour or almond meal. If you grind your own, ensure it does not turn into butter.
Egg Whites: Used primarily as a binder. They should be lightly beaten—not to stiff meringue peaks—just enough to be frothy.
Sugar: A blend of granulated sugar (in the dough) and powdered sugar (for rolling) provides the necessary texture and crust.
Flavoring: A few drops of almond extract amplifies the natural almond flavor. Lemon zest provides essential brightness and cuts the richness.

The Technique: The Crackled Crust

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Stir in the lightly whisked egg whites and almond extract/zest until a very sticky, uniform paste forms.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Shaping and Coating

Preheat the oven to a lower temperature (300°F / 150°C).
Using a small scoop or your hands, roll the dough into small, uniform balls.
Roll each ball first in a bowl of granulated sugar, and then heavily coat it in a bowl of powdered sugar. This double coating is key to the crackled crust.

Step 3: Baking

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave 1–2 inches between them.
Bake for 15–20 minutes at the lower temperature. The low heat is necessary to allow the cookies to set and develop their crackled tops without drying out the interior.
The cookies are done when the bottoms are set and the tops are beautifully cracked but still feel soft to the touch.

Step 4: Cooling and Storing

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet—they will firm up significantly as they cool.
Store in an airtight container; they stay fresh and chewy for days.

💡 Troubleshooting & Chef's Notes

Issue	Cause	Solution/Tip
Cookies spread too much.	Dough was too wet, or not chilled, or too much egg white used.	Ensure egg whites are measured exactly. If dough is too sticky after mixing, add an extra tablespoon of almond flour and chill longer.
Cookies are hard/dry.	Baked at too high a temperature, or baked for too long.	Bake at 300°F/150°C. They should be slightly soft when removed from the oven. The soft center is the goal!
No crackled top formed.	Did not use enough powdered sugar for the final roll.	Roll the dough balls vigorously and ensure they are heavily coated in the final powdered sugar layer before placing them on the tray.