Amaretti di Guarcino
Amaretti di Guarcino are traditional cookies from the mountain village of Guarcino in Ciociaria, in the Lazio region. Made with simple ingredients – almonds, sugar, and egg whites – they represent a classic pastry from Lazio, characterized by a crumbly texture and an intense almond fragrance. Perfect for accompanying your coffee or as a gift during the holiday season.
Preparation
- 1
Finely grind the blanched almonds with the granulated sugar until you achieve a granular and homogeneous mixture.
- 2
In a bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they reach a soft and silky consistency.
- 3
Gently fold the almond and sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites, using upward strokes to maintain the air.
- 4
Spread the mixture onto a work surface dusted with powdered sugar and form small balls approximately 3-4 centimetres in diameter.
- 5
Arrange the amaretti on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, maintaining a distance of at least 2 centimetres between each cookie.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 35-40 minutes until the surface is golden but the cookie remains soft inside.
- 7
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the tray before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Chef's Tips
For optimal results, whip the egg whites with a drop of lemon juice to increase their stability. Amaretti di Guarcino keep well in a closed glass jar for about one week.