The Best Amaretto Cookie You'll Ever Make

I have tried so many different versions of Amaretti made by Italian women and I have tried several different recipes myself, but nothing compares to my mom's old recipe. They are the best ones I have ever tasted and made. I don't know where she got the recipe but she has been making them since the early 80's.

My mom used to toast the almonds and then grind them herself in the blender. It was a lot of work but the extra step gave them a more robust flavor. People used to ask my mom to make these cookies for weddings, baptisms and first communions and she always quadrupled the recipe (but the recipe I'm posting makes a quarter but I counted 126 cookies!).

My mom never rolled them in powdered sugar but it was an idea I came up with years ago because I like the crinkly affect it gives the cookie. Serve these with a cup of espresso and your guests will love you forever. Here is the recipe that has stood the test of time (and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do).

(My mom's recipe)

3 cups ground almonds

2 eggs

2 cups sugar

1/2 bottle almond extract

1-1/2 tsp cocoa powder

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Icing sugar for rolling

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with baking paper.

2. In a medium or large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until creamy.

3. Add almond extract, cocoa powder, baking powder and flour. Mix well.

4. Add ground almonds and mix till well blended (batter will be thick at this point).

5. Shape into 1/2 inch balls (about 1/2 a teaspoon) and roll in icing sugar. Then place on lined cookie sheets 1 to 2 inches apart.

6. Bake for 9 minutes (the bottoms may burn if left longer) and remove from oven. Let cool a few minutes before transferring them to another surface to completely cool.

My mom would always freeze a batch for Christmas or Easter. They can also be stored in a container in the fridge as well. I stored mine at room temperature because I know they won't last too long around here. I'm planning to bring some to my MIL when we leave this weekend for Hamburg. I'm sure she'll love them.

Recipe Source: http://cookingwithrosie.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-amaretto-cookie-youll-ever-make.html