If you’re someone who loves the delicate balance of fruity and nutty flavors wrapped up in a light, chewy cookie, then this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how these cookies come out with just the right amount of tender chewiness from almond flour paired with the bright, tart notes from freeze-dried raspberries. They’re perfect for when you want a little something sweet but not overly rich or heavy – a treat that feels special yet totally doable.
When I first tried making this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like almond flour and egg whites could turn into such a flavorful cookie with beautiful cracks on top. You’ll find that these cookies work wonderfully for afternoon tea, a cozy coffee break, or even tucked into a lunchbox for a surprising pop of raspberry brightness. Plus, they keep beautifully, which means you can make a batch ahead and enjoy them throughout the week without worry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Raspberry Flavor: The freeze-dried raspberries pack a punch of fruity tartness that balances the almond sweetness perfectly.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or special equipment—just simple whisking and mixing that anyone can do.
- Perfect Texture: Chewy edges with soft, crackled tops that give you all the amaretto cookie vibes.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies store well and make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing high-quality ingredients really makes a difference here. The almond flour’s texture is key for that classic amaretti chew, and the freeze-dried raspberries add that fresh burst of flavor without extra moisture messing with the dough.
- Almond Flour or Very Finely Ground Almonds: I recommend almond flour that’s finely sifted to create that tender, chewy texture you’re after.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the tartness of the raspberries and gives sweetness without overpowering.
- Freeze-Dried Raspberries: Grinding these into a powder infuses the cookies with real raspberry flavor—avoid raspberry jams or fresh raspberries as they’ll add too much moisture.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a little to enhance all the other flavors.
- Large Egg Whites: They’re essential for binding and creating that soft yet crispy texture.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle brightness that awakens the cookie flavors.
- Almond Extract: Boosts that classic almond aroma everyone loves in amaretti cookies.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: For rolling the cookie dough balls to get that lovely snow-dusted finish.
Variations
I love to experiment with this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe, and honestly, you can tweak it in a few fun ways to fit your mood or pantry stash!
- Raspberry-Chocolate Swirl: Adding a few mini dark chocolate chips inside the dough gives a surprise melty chocolate center—I’ve tried this and my family goes crazy for it!
- Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour, making it perfect if you’re avoiding gluten but still crave something indulgent.
- Using Different Extracts: While almond extract is traditional, a touch of vanilla or even orange blossom water can add a lovely twist.
- Seasonal Fruit Powder: Freeze-dried strawberry or blueberry powder can swap in for raspberries to create different fruit-inspired amaretti variations.
How to Make Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cookie Sheets
Preheat your oven to 300°F. I discovered a neat trick that really helps prevent the cookie bottoms from browning too much: stack two light to medium colored heavy cookie sheets one inside the other, then line with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This setup moderates heat transfer and keeps your cookies evenly golden without burning.
Step 2: Grind Your Freeze-Dried Raspberries
Place your freeze-dried raspberries in a food processor or spice grinder and pulse until they turn into a very fine powder—this powder is what gives the cookies their beautiful raspberry bursts. If the raspberry bits are too chunky, the dough might not form properly, so this step is key.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, and the raspberry powder until everything is evenly combined. This helps to distribute the raspberry flavor throughout every bite.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites
In another bowl (or your stand mixer if you have one), whisk the egg whites with the lemon juice until they form soft peaks. This means when you lift the beater, the peaks should gently hold their shape without being too stiff. I used to over-whip and ended up with dry cookies, so watch carefully here!
Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough
Fold the whipped egg whites and almond extract into the dry ingredients gently at first, then stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Don’t be shy about kneading it lightly with your hands if needed—it’s not delicate like macarons, so a little rough handling is totally fine. Lightly dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar before you scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball again in the powdered sugar to get that pretty coating.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your sugared dough balls on the baking sheet with about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are cracked and the bottoms are just golden. If you’re not using the double baking sheets trick, keep a close eye around the 25-minute mark as they can brown faster. Prefer crunchier cookies? Leave them in for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops start browning a touch.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe
- Avoid Over-Whipping Egg Whites: Soft peaks are your goal; over-whipped whites can dry out the cookies.
- Use Light-Colored Baking Sheets: It helps you judge browning better and prevents overcooking the cookie bases.
- Freeze-Dried Raspberry Quality Matters: The fresher and purer the freeze-dried raspberries, the brighter that raspberry flavor will be.
- Roll Cookies in Powdered Sugar Twice: This ensures a beautiful crackly surface and prevents sticking during baking.
How to Serve Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love dusting these Raspberry Amaretti Cookies with a little extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving; it gives them that lovely snowy look that makes them feel extra festive. Sometimes, I even add a tiny fresh raspberry on the side for a gorgeous presentation and a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
These cookies go beautifully with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea or a rich, creamy cappuccino—my favorite combo on a rainy afternoon. If you’re serving them for dessert, a small scoop of vanilla gelato or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce is a total winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging these cookies in a colorful cookie box or a clear jar tied with a ribbon for gifting. Another fun idea I’ve tried is serving them on a dessert platter with fresh raspberry coulis and edible rose petals—it makes for a stunning and unexpected dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover Raspberry Amaretti Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay tender and delicious for up to 5 days, which means you can bake ahead for a party or just treat yourself all week. Just be sure to keep them away from moisture to avoid losing that perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the dough balls before baking. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. This trick saves time and keeps the dough fresh longer.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through and restores some of their original chewiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of freeze-dried for this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe?
Fresh raspberries contain moisture that would throw off the cookie dough’s texture, making it too wet and sticky. Freeze-dried raspberries are the best choice because they add intense flavor without extra moisture, allowing you to get the perfect cookie consistency.
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How do I know when Raspberry Amaretti Cookies are done baking?
Look for cracked tops and bottoms that are just barely golden. The cookies should still feel slightly soft when you take them out but will firm up as they cool. Using stacked baking sheets helps prevent over-browning.
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Can I make these cookies vegan or egg-free?
Egg whites are essential for the structure and texture of these cookies, so making a vegan version is tricky without changing the recipe significantly. Aquafaba (chickpea water) is sometimes used as a vegan egg white substitute, but results can vary and might take experimentation.
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Will these cookies be gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since this recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, Raspberry Amaretti Cookies are naturally gluten-free—just be sure to check your ingredients if you need a strict gluten-free diet.
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How can I keep my Raspberry Amaretti Cookies soft and chewy?
Don’t overbake them—and using stacked baking sheets helps keep the bottoms from browning too much. Also, avoid over-whipping egg whites to prevent a dry texture. Storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something that feels both elegant and homey without hours of fuss. Sharing them with friends always sparks compliments, and I love that the recipe is forgiving enough for even casual bakers to nail on their first try. Honestly, once you make these, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one—so get ready for a new little obsession!
PrintRaspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delightfully chewy Raspberry Amaretti Cookies featuring almond flour and vibrant freeze-dried raspberries, producing a naturally flavored, sweet treat with cracked tops and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Perfectly light and fruity, these Italian-inspired cookies are easy to make and ideal for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (200g) almond flour or very finely ground almonds, sifted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 ounce freeze-dried raspberries, very finely ground (about 1/4 cup of ground raspberry powder)
- Pinch salt
- Confectioners’ sugar, as needed
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites (about 60 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Stack two matching, heavyweight, light to medium colored cookie sheets one inside the other to prevent excessive browning on the cookie bottoms. Line the top cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Grind Freeze-Dried Raspberries: Use a food processor or spice grinder to finely grind the freeze-dried raspberries into a powder, ensuring an even raspberry distribution in the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted almond flour, granulated sugar, pinch of salt, and the finely ground raspberry powder until fully combined and evenly mixed.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites and lemon juice together until they hold soft peaks, providing the structure and lightness for the cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the beaten egg whites and almond extract into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead lightly by hand if necessary; don’t worry about over-handling as the dough is forgiving.
- Shape Cookies: Lightly dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Using a small cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball smoothly, then roll them thoroughly in confectioners’ sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are cracked and the bottoms are just barely golden. If not using stacked cookie sheets, watch closely and bake for approximately 25 minutes as browning will happen faster. For crunchier cookies, bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops begin to brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely for best texture.
- Store: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Stacking two cookie sheets helps prevent the cookies’ bottoms from browning too much, preserving a delicate golden color and texture.
- Freeze-dried raspberries intensify the fruity flavor without adding moisture that could alter the dough consistency.
- Use almond flour rather than almond meal for a finer texture and lighter cookie crumb.
- Dusting hands with confectioners’ sugar prevents the sticky dough from clinging and helps create a pretty cracked sugar coating on the cookies.
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 30 minutes; for crunchier ones, extend to 35-40 minutes.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and a delightful treat for those avoiding wheat products.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg