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Amaretti Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Amaretti cherry ice cream sandwiches with crisp, chewy Italian amaretti cookies and dark cherry-almond ice cream. Crisp sugar-dusted edges and a deep ruby cherry center come from baking amaretti, then freezing cookie sandwiches until firm.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
freezing 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the amaretti cookies
  • 2 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 powdered sugar for dusting Use as needed for generous coating.
For the cherry almond ice cream
  • 0.5 gallon vanilla ice cream Soften before mixing.
  • 1 cup dark cherry preserves or cherry jam
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract
  • 0.25 cup amaretto liqueur (optional) Optional.
  • 1 crushed amaretti For rolling exposed ice cream edges.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Bake the amaretti cookies
  1. Preheat the oven to 325F. Line a sheet pan so the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
  2. Beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Continue beating until the mixture begins to hold shape and looks airy.
  3. Beat in the granulated sugar until glossy. Stop when the mixture looks smooth and shiny.
  4. Fold in the almond flour, almond extract, and vanilla extract until a sticky dough forms. Mix just until combined and thick enough to scoop.
  5. Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls, then dust generously with powdered sugar. Place them on the lined baking sheets with space between.
  6. Flatten slightly and bake for 14-16 minutes until crinkled and just golden. Remove when the tops look set and lightly browned.
  7. Cool completely on the pan. Wait until fully cold before assembling so the ice cream doesn’t melt.
Make cherry almond ice cream filling and assemble
  1. Swirl the cherry preserves, almond extract, and amaretto (if using) through softened vanilla ice cream. Mix gently to create ribbons of dark cherry.
  2. Sandwich the cherry almond ice cream between two amaretti cookies. Aim for even filling so each sandwich holds its shape.
  3. Roll the exposed ice cream edges in crushed amaretti and freeze at least 2 hours. Freeze until firm enough to slice and bite cleanly.

Notes

Pro tip: cool the baked amaretti fully before assembling so the ice cream stays thick instead of soaking into the cookies. Store sandwiches in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; freezing is required for best texture (no separate fridge-only option). For a dietary swap, use lactose-free vanilla ice cream to keep the same almond-cherry flavor while reducing lactose.