When it comes to traditional Italian desserts, pignoli cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many. These delightful treats, also known as pine nut cookies, are characterized by their chewy texture, nutty flavor, and irresistible sweetness. Made with almond paste and coated with crunchy pine nuts, pignoli cookies are a beloved staple at Italian bakeries and family gatherings alike. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to create your own batch of homemade pignoli cookies, allowing you to savor the taste of Italy right in your own kitchen. So, let’s dive into the world of Italian baking and whip up a batch of these delicious treats together!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces almond paste
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup pine nuts
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, crumble the almond paste into small pieces using your fingers or a fork.
Add the granulated sugar to the almond paste and mix together until well combined and the mixture is uniform in texture.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond paste mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.
Stir in the almond extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Place the pine nuts in a shallow dish or plate.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Roll each ball of dough in the pine nuts, pressing lightly to coat the entire surface.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a disc shape.
Bake the pignoli cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the pignoli cookies with confectioners’ sugar, if desired, for a decorative touch.
Serve and enjoy your homemade pignoli cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, or share them with friends and family for a taste of Italian sweetness.
With their chewy texture, nutty flavor, and charming appearance, homemade pignoli cookies are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the cobblestone streets of Italy with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee or as a delightful dessert after a hearty Italian meal, these beloved cookies are a testament to the simple pleasures of homemade baking. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some pignoli magic together! Buon appetito!