Description
Indulge in the authentic taste of Italy with this traditional pignoli cookie recipe. Learn how to make these delightful Italian pine nut cookies, also known as almond pignoli cookies, with their chewy almond interior and generous coating of nutty pine nuts. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a simple sweet treat!
Ingredients
- Almond Paste: 8 ounces (225g), high-quality
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Egg Whites: 2 large
- Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Corn Syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Pine Nuts (Pignoli): 1 cup (150g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond paste and granulated sugar. Use your hands or a mixer to break down the almond paste and incorporate the sugar evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg whites, almond extract, and corn syrup to the almond paste and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Add Pignoli and Bake: Pour the pine nuts onto a shallow plate. Gently press the top of each cookie into the pine nuts, ensuring they adhere well. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality almond paste.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Be generous with the pine nuts for maximum flavor and texture.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Try adding lemon zest or orange blossom water for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: pignoli cookies, Italian pine nut cookies, almond pignoli cookies, Italian cookies, almond cookies, pine nut cookies, traditional Italian dessert, baking, dessert recipe, gluten-free cookies