Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat
Remember those melt-in-your-mouth Italian almond amaretti cookies? Their light, airy texture, and intense almond flavor are truly addictive. But what if you’re vegan? That’s not a problem, as I have you covered! This recipe unlocks the secret to creating vegan amaretti cookies that are just as good, if not better, than the originals.
Why You Will Love Making Vegan Amaretti Cookies
- No need to hunt down weird ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy and accessible for everyone.
- Don’t be intimidated by fancy baking! These cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners. So grab your bowls and get ready for some baking fun!
- Bonus: these are naturally gluten-free! Perfect for people with gluten sensitivities who still want to enjoy a delicious cookie.
- These versatile cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with coffee, after dinner, or share them at gatherings and potlucks – they’ll be a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Vegan Amaretti Cookies with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking sheets.
In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Sift or use a whisk to break up any clumps and ensure it’s evenly distributed.
In a large metal or glass bowl, beat the aquafaba with salt using electric beaters or a stand mixer at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This will usually take about five minutes.
Gently stir in the lemon zest and then gently fold in the almond flour mixture until completely combined.
Next, stir in the amaretto liqueur. The dough will be sticky and soft but formed enough to roll into a large ball.
Cover the dough and chill in your fridge for at least 30 minutes, longer if it is a warm day. Once the dough is chilled, place the remaining powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Using a teaspoon, scoop a heaping amount of the dough (about two teaspoon balls). Roll it between your hands until a ball forms, and then roll them in powdered sugar until they are evenly covered.
Then, place the balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Place the baking sheet on a rack in the upper third of the oven – the bottoms are prone to overcooking. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown under the sugar.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before moving it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips for Vegan Amaretti Cookies
- Choose the Right Almond Flour: The texture of your vegan amaretti cookies may vary depending on the brand of almond flour you use. To ensure a smooth and consistent dough, opt for blanched almond flour. This type of flour is made from blanched almonds that have had their skins removed, resulting in a finer and lighter texture.
- Experiment with Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch. Consider incorporating different extracts, such as vanilla or citrus, to enhance the taste. You can also experiment with toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate drizzle for a more indulgent treat.
- If you are baking two sheets at once, keep them in the upper portion of the oven as much as possible. Switch positions of the baking sheets at about 12 minutes of baking. Baking multiple sheets at once may cause baking to take longer.
- We’ve used Amaretto liqueur, but you can also use almond extract in your vegan Amaretti cookies. Almond extract is stronger, so you’ll only need around half a teaspoon.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
What to Serve with Vegan Amaretti Cookies
Vegan Amaretti Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other desserts or beverages for a delightful treat.
Serve them alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. The warm drink complements the subtle sweetness and almond flavor of the cookies, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent dessert option, enjoy your Vegan Amaretti Cookies with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the light and crispy cookies, resulting in a decadent vegan dessert experience.
More Vegan Desserts For You to Try At Home
- Decadent Raw Vegan Chocolate Cake
- Vegan No Bake Cheesecake
- Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
- Vegan Macaroons
- Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Cake
- Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat
Ingredients
- 2½ cups blanched almond flour
- 6 tbsp powdered sugar
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup aquafaba
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- Powdered sugar to coat cookies
Instructions
- Combine almond flour, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Sift or whisk to break up any clumps and evenly distribute.2½ cups blanched almond flour, 6 tbsp powdered sugar, ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- In a large metal or glass bowl, beat aquafaba with salt using electric beaters or a stand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes.½ cup aquafaba, ¼ tsp salt
- Gently stir in lemon zest. Fold in almond flour mixture until completely combined, then stir in amaretto. The dough will be sticky and soft, but possible to form into a ball.1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes, longer if it is a warm day.
- Preheat oven to 325°F/160 C. Line baking sheets with parchment or silicon baking sheets.
- Once dough is chilled. Place powdered sugar for coating in a small bowl.Powdered sugar to coat cookies
- Using a teaspoon, scoop heaping amount of the dough (about 2 tsp balls). Roll between your hands until a ball forms.
- Roll the dough ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. Place at least 2” inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Place baking sheet on a rack in the up ⅓ of the oven – the bottoms are prone to overcooking. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown under the sugar.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your cookies!
What are the nutritional values to this recipe?
I’ve added them now. Thanks for asking!
I always wanted to try vegan cookies for my vegan guests, and I tried out this recipe last weekend. It was a hit! Everyone was asking for the recipe. Thank you x
I’m glad everyone enjoyed them and was asking for the recipe – that’s the highest compliment a cookie can get. Thanks for sharing Greta!
I baked two sheets at once and followed the tip to switch positions halfway through. Worked like a charm! Saved me time, and the cookies came out evenly baked.
That’s fantastic, my friend! It’s such a time-saving tip and I’m thrilled to hear it worked like a charm for getting those cookies evenly baked to perfection. Thanks for sharing Jhicel!
I have seen a lot of discussions about aquafaba, but have never used them until now. This was a simple recipe to give a try and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it works. Loved the cookies and this will be a regular in my baking.
Oh yes, the aquafaba is such an amazing egg replacer. I’m thrilled you loved this simple recipe Sandy!
I was glad to find this recipe so I could make some cookies for my daughter. I knew about the aquafaba but never made it. The cookies turned out tasty, just like your pictures.
I’m thrilled this vegan Amaretti cookie recipe allowed you to bake up some tasty treats for your daughter. Thanks for giving this a try, Shirley!
These cookies are so easy to make even for a baking newbie like me. And the aquafaba worked like magic! The texture was spot on, and my husband haven’t got the slightest idea that they were vegan.
I’m over the moon that these Amaretti cookies were a success, even for a self-proclaimed baking newbie! Thank you so much for giving these a try Jhai and for sharing your positive experience.