These simple and incredibly delicious cookies only contain three ingredients. If you love almonds, you're sure to be a fan of these macaroon-type cookies. They appear plain and dry, but are packed with flavor and chewiness. After you look at the recipe, check out the post on Agrigento, Sicily below! AMARETTI COOKIES
8 oz almond paste (can or tube)
1 cup superfine sugar (you can buy it or make your own by placing sugar in a food processor or Bullet for 25 seconds)
2 large egg whites
Preheat oven to 357 degrees and line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place almond paste and sugar in bowl. Work it together with your fingertips, then mix with mixer until it resembles crumbles. Add egg whites in three batches and mix about 4 minutes until batter is very smooth.
Use pastry bag or tablespoon (I prefer spoon) to make 1 1/2" mounds on cookie sheet. At this point you can lightly sprinkle colored sugar, sliced or slivered almonds, or sprinkles.
If using colored sugar, go light because the cookies are already sweet. Bake for 14 minutes, or until cookies have risen and are a deep golden color with tiny cracks. Place cookie sheet on baking rack to cool for a few minutes, then very carefully remove from parchment. This part takes some care, as these cookies are fragile. Go slowly and use a metal spatula, if you have one. If the parchment sticks to the cookies, gently wipe the bottom of the parchment with a damp paper towel. Makes about 18-20 cookies, depending on size.
