Amaretti Cookies

One of my favourite cookies to date is amaretti cookies. Amaretti cookies are almond-flavoured cookies. They are Italian classic cookies often made for special events or holidays. One of the benefits of these cookies is that they can be baked in two different styles. If you prefer a softer chewy cookie, you can bake them for a shorter time. However, if you enjoy a biscotti-style cookie, you can bake them for longer and use them to dip into your coffee or milk.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup roasted almonds

• ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• Pinch of baking powder

• 1 egg white (from a large egg)

• 1 tsp pure almond extract

• ⅓ cup extra granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies into)

Directions:

1. Place both nuts in a food processor and grind to a very fine sandy consistency.

2. In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the ground nuts, granulated sugar and a pinch of baking powder. Set aside.

3. In a separate small bowl beat the egg white to a soft peak. Stir the almond extract into the egg-white mixture.

4. With a fork, stir the egg white mixture with the nut mixture until well combined. Cover with cling wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

6. Scoop about 1 ¼ inch round to scoop up pieces of dough and shape them in a circle using your hands. Roll the cookie ball in granulated sugar and place it onto the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes.

8. When ready the cookies will look light brown in colour with crisp crackled tops. Allow the cookies to cool on the pans placed over a cooling rack.

Serves: 24