Soft Amaretti Lemon

Soft Amaretti Lemon from Sassello, Liguria

Soft Amaretti Lemon are soft Italian amaretti by Amaretti Virginia, refined with candied lemon peel. Unlike classic hard amaretti, they remain moist and tender on the inside. Baked with apricot kernels and almonds, gluten-free, in a 140g decorative tin from Sassello.

Soft Amaretti Lemon are the soft lemon amaretti from the Amaretti Virginia bakery in Sassello. A dough based primarily on fine apricot kernels is refined with 16% candied lemon peel—bright, fruity, and almond-bitter. They have a delicate crust on the outside and are soft and moist on the inside; the perfect taste of an Italian afternoon with an espresso.

Tender, fruity, almond-bitter

Soft Amaretti Lemon have a characteristic bitter almond flavor, complemented by the bright freshness of candied lemon peel.

Their center is soft and slightly sticky, while the surface is finely cracked and dusted with powdered sugar. The first bite offers the delicate aroma of bitter almond, followed by the lemon, which gives the treat a sunny, slightly tart note. The scent alone, of bitter almond and lemon peel, makes you want to reach for the first one. They are also a fine companion for a pot of tea in the afternoon.

There is no comparison to the hard, crunchy amarettini you crumble into your coffee. These almost melt on the tongue—sweet, but not sugary, because the lemon provides a perfect balance. Moist, fruity, and tender, a pastry like this leaves you wanting more. If you like soft amaretti, you will love the lemon variety, as the fruit makes them feel even lighter. Take your time and let a piece melt slowly.

From Sassello, based on a recipe from 1860

These amaretti are baked by Amaretti Virginia in Sassello, the Ligurian town that has been synonymous with soft amaretti since 1860.

Sassello is considered the home of soft amaretti, and the Casa Virginia recipe quickly became the benchmark there. The dough requires only a few ingredients: 46% apricot kernels, sugar, candied lemon peel, and a little egg white—no flour at all. That is why the Amaretti Soffici al Limone, as the lemon variety is called in the original, are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free; they are also vegetarian.

Each piece is individually placed and baked until the surface develops its typical fine cracks. The bakery is still family-run today, and many of their amaretti are wrapped by hand in colorful paper. Over 160 years of experience go into this simple, moist pastry, which bears the name of an award-winning producer. You can find more soft amaretti from Amaretti Virginia, including orange and blueberry, right next door.

With an espresso after a meal

An espresso after a meal is the classic setting for Soft Amaretti Lemon.

They pair well with a glass of Vin Santo or Moscato, into which you can dip them briefly, and taste great crumbled over vanilla ice cream or panna cotta. As a little treat in between, they disappear quickly anyway. For a summer afternoon, simply place the open tin on the table, add some coffee or a glass of Prosecco, and your guests are well catered for.

In their colorful decorative tin, these amaretti also make a lovely gift—a greeting from Italy for anyone who loves soft amaretti. Whether for Sunday coffee, as a dessert for guests, or as a small gift, the lemon flavor is perfect for the summer as it suits the lighter time of year. Stored in a cool, dry place, they stay beautifully moist.