I am in full-blown holiday mode – and nothing says “holidays” to me more than baking cookies! Similar to my stuffing recipe from last week, I make this recipe year-round, but these Amaretti cookies really shine in winter time, resembling little snowballs, these puffs of goodness are heavenly! With minimal ingredients, these cookies are more about technique but don’t let that worry you, with just a few tips and tricks these will quickly become one of your go-to cookie recipes – easy yet impressive and oh so tasty (barring you like almond flavor, of course!). They are a little crusty on the outside and super soft on the inside, they feel delicate and fancy, yet they are durable and simple (but that can be our little secret). Bonus – these are naturally gluten-free, AND they hold their form, so they are the perfect goodie to send loved ones that you may not see in person this year. I usually double the batch as the yield is a tad too small to allow you to both give away some and enjoy a few for yourself. However, since they still taste soft and fresh for 8-10 days, you’ll have plenty of time to work your way through the larger batch – but let’s be honest, I usually go through mine in far less time. Enjoy!

Soft Amaretti Cookies
Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 50 Min
Makes: 14-16 Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ CUPS ALMOND FLOUR
- 1 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR
- A PINCH OF SALT
- 2 LARGE EGG WHITES
- ¼ TEASPOON LEMON JUICE
- ½ TEASPOON ALMOND EXTRACT
- POWDERED SUGAR, AS NEEDED
Directions
About Chef Gina Veneziano
Chef Gina has spent a lifetime in food – from the butcher shop to food trucks, and catering kitchens to innovation kitchens. She prides herself in being the only person to successfully recreate her grandmother’s famous meatballs. You can usually catch her, apron on, and a glass of prosecco in hand – cheers!