Baked Almond Amaretti Cookies with Citrus Zest
Crunchy on the outside, chewy inside almond cookies infused with bright orange and lemon zest for a refreshing finish. This italian-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes layers almond flour, granulated sugar, large egg whites into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup for dusting powdered sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups almond flour and 1 cup granulated sugar until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large egg whites with 1 tsp almond extract, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tsp lemon zest until foamy but not stiff, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Gently fold the egg white mixture into the almond flour mixture until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 5: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in 1/4 cup powdered sugar to coat.
- Step 6: Place balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are golden and the tops crack slightly.
- Step 7: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Almond Amaretti Cookies with Citrus Zest take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Almond Amaretti Cookies with Citrus Zest?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Almond Amaretti Cookies with Citrus Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Almond Amaretti Cookies with Citrus Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Almond Amaretti Cookies with Citrus Zest gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
