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A plate of round, amber-colored cookies with a cracked surface, revealing white, pink, and brown hues. One cookie has a bite taken out, exposing a soft, yellowish filling. The plate sits on a white surface with a beige cloth nearby, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Delicious Neapolitan Amaretti Cookies by Love and Olive Oil

Neapolitan Amaretti Cookies are a delightful twist on classic Italian almond cookies, featuring the iconic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. These naturally gluten-free cookies have a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy center, making them irresistible. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of espresso, these tri-colored treats bring a fun and delicious flair to your dessert table!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 24
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  • - Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • - Whisk
  • - Spatula
  • - Measuring cups/spoons
  • Small Sifter
  • - Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • - Spoon or cookie scoop

Ingredients
  

  • **Base Amaretti Dough:**
  • - 2 ½ cups 250g almond flour
  • - 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
  • - 2 large egg whites
  • - ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • - ¼ teaspoon salt
  • **For the Neapolitan Flavors:**
  • - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder or 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
  • - A few drops of red or pink food coloring optional
  • **For Rolling:**
  • - ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • **Prepare the Base Dough:**
  • - Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sugar, and salt.
  • - In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
  • - Gently fold the beaten egg whites and almond extract into the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
  • **Divide and Flavor:**
  • - Divide the dough evenly into three portions.
  • - Mix cocoa powder into one portion to create the chocolate layer.
  • - Mix vanilla extract into another portion for the vanilla layer.
  • - Mix strawberry powder (or extract) and food coloring into the last portion for the strawberry layer.
  • **Assemble the Cookies:**
  • - Take a small piece from each flavor and gently press them together to form a tri-colored ball (about 1-inch in size).
  • - Roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
  • **Bake the Cookies:**
  • - Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • - Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they have a crackled appearance and are lightly golden on the edges.
  • - Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.