Irresistible Chocolate Almond Macaroons (Amaretti di Cioccolata)
Overview
If you’re in search of a delightful treat that’s not only simple to make but also packs an irresistible flavor punch, look no further than these Chocolate Almond Macaroons, a delightful variation of the traditional Italian Amaretti di Cioccolata. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a rich chocolate flavor complemented by the nutty essence of almond paste, resulting in a cookie that’s both chewy and tender. Ideal for dessert lovers, these cookies can be enjoyed on their own, paired with coffee, or even used as a special ingredient in dessert platters.
Recipe Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Yield | 60 cookies |
| Keywords | Cookie & Brownie, Low Cholesterol, < 60 Mins, Oven |
| Description | These cookies are full of flavor and irresistibly delightful. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100.7 |
| Total Fat | 4.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 4.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 11.2 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | Almond paste |
| 1 1/2 cups | Sugar |
| 1 cup | Confectioners’ sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Almond slices (for rolling) |
| 4 | Egg whites |
| 2 tsp | Cocoa powder |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is a crucial step to ensure your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful texture.
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Prepare the Almond Paste: Take your almond paste and break it into pebble-like pieces. This will make it easier to incorporate into the other ingredients.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large electric mixer bowl, combine the almond paste, sugar, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and egg whites. Start mixing at low speed until everything is well blended. This will take about 1-2 minutes, and you may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
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Increase the Speed: Once the ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to medium. Continue to mix for approximately 2 minutes. The mixture will become sticky, which is exactly what you want for these macaroons.
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Prepare to Shape the Cookies: To avoid the dough sticking to your hands while you shape the cookies, keep a bowl of water nearby. Dipping your fingers in the water will make rolling the dough much easier.
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Shape the Cookies: With your damp fingers, take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
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Coat with Almond Slices: Next, roll each dough ball in the almond slices until they are generously coated. This not only adds flavor but also a lovely crunch to the cookies.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Place the rolled cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
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Flatten the Cookies: Lightly flatten the tops of each cookie ball with the palm of your hand. This helps them cook evenly and gives them that classic macaroon shape.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven. They should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
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Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to sit on the parchment paper until they are completely cooled. This will help them set properly.
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Remove and Serve: After cooling, carefully remove the cookies from the parchment paper using a metal spatula. They are now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Almond Macaroons can be served as a delightful after-dinner treat, paired with a rich espresso or a glass of dessert wine. They also make an excellent addition to any cookie platter, especially during holidays and special occasions.
Conclusion
In just under an hour, you can whip up a batch of these delicious Chocolate Almond Macaroons that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Their combination of almond and chocolate flavors makes them a standout cookie, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Enjoy baking, and more importantly, enjoy indulging in these wonderful treats!
