If you have a craving for something delightfully sweet yet completely dairy-free, this Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat Recipe will become your new favorite indulgence. These cookies have a beautiful chewy texture with just the right hint of almond and the subtle warmth of amaretto liqueur, all while being light, airy, and perfectly coated in a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-intolerant, or simply looking for an elegant treat, these cookies strike the ideal balance between simplicity and sophistication. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to create this charming, flavorful delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple ingredients. Each item has a special role, from providing that buttery almond flavor to ensuring the perfect chewy yet crispy texture that’s so irresistible.
- 2½ cups blanched almond flour: This is the star ingredient, providing the signature almond flavor and a tender crumb.
- 6 tbsp powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate, snowy outer shell on the cookies.
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and gives structure to the dough.
- ½ cup aquafaba: The magical egg white substitute made from chickpea liquid that whips up to soft peaks, lending these cookies their airy texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Brings a burst of brightness that lifts the rich almond notes beautifully.
- 1 tbsp amaretto liqueur: Infuses a subtle warmth and deepens the almond flavor, making these cookies truly memorable.
- Powdered sugar to coat cookies: For that perfect final touch, ensuring the classic amaretti look and a light sweetness on every bite.
How to Make Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the almond flour, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Sift or whisk these together well to break up any lumps and ensure an even distribution. This step guarantees a smooth, consistent dough.
Step 2: Whip the Aquafaba
In a large metal or glass bowl, beat the aquafaba with salt using electric beaters or a stand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This process takes about 5 minutes and is crucial for creating that fluffy, meringue-like texture that sets this recipe apart.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients to Form Dough
Gently stir in the lemon zest to infuse fresh citrus notes. Then, fold the almond flour mixture into the whipped aquafaba carefully, preserving that light texture. Stir in the amaretto liqueur, which adds depth and a slightly boozy almond flavor. The dough will be sticky and soft but should hold together enough to shape.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the dough, making it easier to handle. If it’s a warm day, feel free to chill it longer to ensure the perfect consistency for rolling.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Having your workspace and oven ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Set powdered sugar in a small bowl for coating. Using a teaspoon, scoop about 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until it’s fully coated, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each cookie to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet on the upper third of your oven rack to avoid the bottoms cooking too quickly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies develop a delicate golden hue just beneath their sugary coating. This timing ensures a chewy center with slight crisp edges.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these Vegan Amaretti Cookies are ready to be devoured or shared!
How to Serve Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds an attractive snowy finish. For an elegant twist, consider sprinkling a few crushed, toasted almonds on top right after rolling them in sugar.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or a rich, dairy-free latte. For a decadent treat, serve them alongside coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate for dipping. Their subtle almond and citrus flavors complement a variety of beverages and light desserts beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a clear jar tied with a simple ribbon to give as a gift. They also look charming arranged on a festive platter with fresh berries for holiday celebrations or as a sweet offering at gatherings. Their elegant texture and appearance make them perfect for almost any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Vegan Amaretti Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep fresh for up to a week, maintaining that lovely chewy texture and sweet almond aroma.
Freezing
These cookies freeze very well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature—easy and convenient!
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps restore their freshly-baked softness and enhances the aroma of the amaretto and lemon zest. Avoid microwaving, which can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the amaretto liqueur with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a teaspoon of almond extract works beautifully to maintain the almond flavor, or you can omit it for a milder cookie.
What is aquafaba, and why is it used here?
Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It whips like egg whites and is essential in this recipe for creating the chewy texture without any eggs or dairy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a delicate golden brown hue underneath the powdered sugar coating. The cookies should have set edges but still slightly soft centers for that perfect chewy texture.
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the coating?
Powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature soft, powdery exterior. Using granulated sugar instead won’t provide the same effect and might result in a crunchier texture.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must try this Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat Recipe — it’s a beautiful marriage of texture and flavor that feels both fancy and homey at the same time. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a delicate addition to your dessert spread, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of these tender, almond-kissed delights!
Print
Vegan Amaretti Cookies Recipe: Perfect Dairy-Free Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 35 cookies
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Amaretti Cookies are a delightful dairy-free treat featuring blanched almond flour and aquafaba for a light, chewy texture infused with zesty lemon and amaretto liqueur. Coated in powdered sugar and baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for enjoying with tea or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Main 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
For Coating
- Powdered sugar to coat cookies
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine almond flour, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Sift or whisk thoroughly to break up any clumps and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Beat Aquafaba: In a large metal or glass bowl, beat the aquafaba with salt using electric beaters or a stand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes, creating a fluffy base for the dough.
- Add Flavorings and Combine: Gently stir in lemon zest, then fold in the almond flour mixture completely. Stir in amaretto liqueur. The resulting dough will be sticky and soft but can be formed into a ball.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes, or longer if it is a warm day, to help it firm up for easier handling.
- Prepare Baking Sheets and Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Form Dough Balls: Place powdered sugar for coating in a small bowl. Using a teaspoon, scoop heaping 2 tsp-sized balls of dough. Roll each between your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Coat and Arrange: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Place baking sheets on a rack in the upper third of the oven to avoid over-browning the bottoms. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown beneath the sugar coating.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your vegan amaretti cookies!
Notes
- For best results, use blanched almond flour for a fine texture.
- Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas; ensure it is well whipped for proper texture.
- Amaretto liqueur adds authentic flavor but can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If dough is too sticky, chilling longer or lightly dusting hands with powdered sugar can help with shaping.
- Keep an eye on baking time as ovens vary; cookies should be golden brown underneath but not burnt.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
