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Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli cookies are chewy Italian almond masterpieces with a crispy sugar-crusted exterior and a soft, marzipan-like center studded with pine nuts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 ounces almond paste one 8-ounce can or tube
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg whites room temperature
  • 1 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • small shallow bowl for rolling dough
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Oven thermometer (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond paste and granulated sugar, then beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until well combined.
  3. Add the egg whites one at a time, beating on medium speed for about 1 minute after each addition until fully incorporated.
  4. Pour in the vanilla extract and salt, then beat for another 30 seconds until the dough is smooth.
  5. Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking occasionally.
  6. Pour the powdered sugar into a small shallow bowl, then scoop the dough into 24 portions using a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
  7. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated, shaking off excess, then place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Press 4 to 5 pine nuts firmly into the top of each cookie ball.
  9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are light golden brown and the tops show a slight crack.
  10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Pignoli cookies shine on their own but pair beautifully with coffee, espresso, or sweet wine for an elegant presentation.