These light-textured Italian macaroon-type cookies are made with ground sweet and bitter almonds, sugar and whipped egg whites.

Ground hazelnuts and apricot kernels are sometimes used instead of almonds, the latter especially in commercially made cookies.

The dry and crisp amaretti may be served with tea, coffee or some sweet dessert wine. They are also used ground or crumbled to flavour or decorate various desserts and ice cream.