Top 5 Best Amaretti Cookies: Authentic Italian Crunch & Flavor

1. Lazzaroni Amaretti di Saronno – The Classic Choice

When it comes to authentic Italian amaretti, Lazzaroni’s Amaretti di Saronno stands as the gold standard. These crisp, airy cookies have been made in Saronno, Italy since 1719 using the original recipe of sugar, apricot kernels, and egg whites. The result is a perfectly balanced cookie with the signature bitter-sweet almond flavor that defines traditional amaretti.

What makes these cookies special is their light, crunchy texture that dissolves almost instantly in your mouth. Each cookie comes individually wrapped in their iconic tissue paper, preserving freshness and making them perfect for serving with coffee or dessert wine. The beautiful red tin packaging also makes them an excellent gift option.

Key Selling Points:

• Authentic Italian recipe dating back to 1719
• Crisp, airy texture with perfect crunch
• Made with apricot kernels for traditional bitter almond flavor
• Gluten-free and dairy-free
• Iconic packaging with individually wrapped cookies

2. Matilde Vicenzi Amaretti – Best Soft Amaretti Cookies

If you prefer the soft, chewy variety of amaretti (known as amaretti morbidi), Matilde Vicenzi offers an exceptional option. These cookies feature the classic crackled exterior with a wonderfully moist, chewy center that melts in your mouth. Made in Vicenza, Italy, they follow a traditional recipe using almond flour, egg whites, and sugar.

What distinguishes these amaretti is their perfect texture balance – slightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. The addition of pure almond extract gives them an intense, aromatic flavor that true almond lovers will appreciate. Each cookie is carefully dusted with powdered sugar, creating that signature snowcapped appearance.

Key Selling Points:

• Authentic soft amaretti (amaretti morbidi) texture
• Made with premium almond flour
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• Naturally gluten-free
• Elegant packaging suitable for gifting

3. Forno Bonomi Organic Amaretti – Best Organic Option

For health-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on taste, Forno Bonomi’s Organic Amaretti cookies offer the perfect solution. These cookies are certified organic, made with sustainably sourced ingredients including organic almond flour, organic cane sugar, and free-range egg whites.

These amaretti have a medium-firm texture – not too crunchy and not too soft – making them versatile for both snacking and using in dessert recipes. The flavor profile leans slightly less sweet than some competitors, allowing the natural almond flavor to shine through. Each batch is baked in small quantities to ensure consistent quality and freshness.

Key Selling Points:

• Certified organic ingredients
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Sustainable packaging
• Medium texture – between crisp and chewy
• Slightly less sweet, more pronounced almond flavor

4. La Florentine Amaretti – Premium Artisanal Choice

La Florentine takes amaretti cookies to a new level of luxury with their premium artisanal offering. Handcrafted in small batches by master bakers in Florence, these cookies represent the pinnacle of Italian cookie craftsmanship. Using a closely guarded family recipe dating back generations, La Florentine creates amaretti with exceptional depth of flavor.

What sets these cookies apart is the use of both sweet and bitter almonds, creating that authentic complex flavor profile that defines the best amaretti. The texture strikes a perfect balance – crisp enough to provide satisfaction but with just enough chew to avoid being too brittle. Each cookie is slightly larger than traditional amaretti, making them a more substantial treat.

Key Selling Points:

• Handcrafted in small batches in Florence, Italy
• Premium blend of sweet and bitter almonds
• Elegant gift packaging
• Larger size than traditional amaretti
• Perfect balance of crisp and chewy textures

5. Trader Joe’s Almond Cookies – Best Budget-Friendly Option

For those seeking the amaretti experience without the premium price tag, Trader Joe’s Almond Cookies offer an excellent alternative. While not labeled specifically as amaretti, these cookies capture the essential characteristics – almond-forward flavor, light texture, and subtle sweetness – at a fraction of the cost of imported options.

These cookies lean toward the crisper side of the spectrum, with a satisfying crunch and good almond flavor. While they may lack some of the complexity of traditional Italian amaretti, they make up for it in value and accessibility. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and can be used in many recipes calling for amaretti cookies.

Key Selling Points:

• Excellent value for money
• Widely available at all Trader Joe’s locations
• Crisp texture similar to traditional amaretti
• Good almond flavor
• Versatile for snacking or recipe use

Amaretti Cookies Comparison

To help you choose the perfect amaretti cookies for your needs, we’ve created this quick-reference comparison table highlighting the key features of our top 5 picks:

How to Serve and Store Amaretti Cookies

Beyond Snacking: Culinary Uses for Amaretti Cookies

Amaretti cookies aren’t just for enjoying with coffee. These versatile Italian treats can elevate many desserts:

Finding Your Perfect Amaretti Cookie

The best amaretti cookies offer a perfect balance of almond flavor, appropriate sweetness, and the right texture for your preference. Whether you favor the traditional crisp style exemplified by Lazzaroni, the soft chewy version from Matilde Vicenzi, or the budget-friendly option from Trader Joe’s, there’s an amaretti cookie to suit every taste and occasion.

For the most authentic experience, we recommend starting with our top pick, Lazzaroni Amaretti di Saronno. Their centuries-old recipe and perfect texture make them the benchmark against which all other amaretti should be measured. However, don’t hesitate to explore the other options on our list – each brings something unique to the table.