CHOCOLATE AMARETTI

I enjoy baking, especially Italian cookies, and these classic almond-paste treats are like those you’d find in an Italian bakery. My husband and children are always excited when I include them in my baking lineup.

—KATHY LONG WHITEFISH BAY, WI


PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 3 DOZEN

1/4 cups almond paste

3/4 cup sugar

2 large egg whites

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1. In a large bowl, beat the almond paste, sugar and egg whites until combined. Combine confectioners’ sugar and cocoa; gradually add to almond mixture and mix well.

2. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 17-20 minutes or until the tops are cracked. Cool for 1 minute before removing the cookies from pans to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.