Chocolate always makes holidays better, and these Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Amaretti Cookies are a holiday favorite. Made with almond paste, sugar, cocoa powder, egg whites, and vanilla extract.

To make Giada’s Chocolate Amaretti Cookies, blend the almond paste with sugar and cocoa powder, then add egg whites and vanilla. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, add almonds, and bake for 13-14 minutes until the tops crack but the centers stay soft.

If you love cookies that are both crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, these are for you. Try them out, and don’t forget to leave a comment below if you can’t resist eating them all at once!

Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Amaretti Cookies Ingredients

• 7 ounces of almond paste
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of fine salt (a pinch)
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup of slivered almonds for decorating
• 1/4 cup of white sanding sugar for decorating

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Amaretti Cookies

1. Prepare Your Oven: Adjust the oven racks to the upper-third and lower-third positions, then preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Process the Dough: Break the almond paste into small pieces and place them in the bowl of a food processor. Add the sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine salt. Process the mixture until the almond paste is finely chopped and well combined with the other ingredients.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg whites and pure vanilla extract to the food processor. Process the mixture until a smooth dough forms. This should take about 30 seconds.
4. Form the Cookies: Using a small scoop or spoon, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Each dollop should be about 1 tablespoon, and they should be spaced 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
5. Decorate the Cookies: Top each cookie with a few slivered almonds. Then, sprinkle each one with white sanding sugar for added texture and sweetness.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 14 minutes. They should rise slightly and crack on the surface but remain soft in the center. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before handling. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Why Did My Chocolate Amaretti Cookies Spread Too Much?

If your Chocolate Amaretti Cookies spread too much, it’s likely the dough was too warm. Next time, try chilling the dough in the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and give you that perfect, chewy texture.

Recipe Tips

• Achieve perfect cookie consistency: If your dough seems too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before scooping. This will make the dough easier to work with and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Avoid over-processing the dough: When blending the almond paste, sugar, and cocoa powder, stop as soon as the mixture is just combined. Over-processing can cause the dough to become oily, which may affect the texture of your cookies.
• Use parchment paper wisely: If you notice that the cookies tend to spread too much while baking, try doubling up on the parchment paper layers. This can help regulate heat and prevent excessive spreading.

Recipe Variations

• Incorporate chopped dark chocolate: For a more indulgent cookie, fold in some finely chopped dark chocolate into the dough before baking. This will create little pockets of melted chocolate throughout, adding a rich contrast to the almond flavor.
• Try a salted caramel drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. This adds a sweet and salty twist that complements the chocolate and almond flavors beautifully.
• Infuse the dough with almond liqueur: For an extra depth of flavor, replace the vanilla extract with a teaspoon of almond liqueur like Amaretto. This enhances the almond flavor and adds a subtle, sophisticated edge to the cookies.

What To Serve With Chocolate Amaretti Cookies

Serve your Chocolate Amaretti Cookies with spiced hot chocolate, a small bowl of mascarpone cream, or a shot of Amaretto liqueur.

You can also pair them with a citrus fruit salad, a dark chocolate fondue, or a side of candied orange peel for a unique and flavorful combination.

How To Store Leftover Chocolate Amaretti Cookies

In The Fridge:

To store leftover Chocolate Amaretti Cookies in the fridge, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Make sure the container is fully sealed to maintain freshness and keep them in the fridge for up to one week.

In The Freezer:

You can freeze Chocolate Amaretti Cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, and you can enjoy them directly from the freezer or after thawing briefly.

Check out More Giada Dessert Recipes:

• Giada Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
• Giada Cherry-pistachio Biscotti Recipe
• Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Mascarpone Pound Cake