Pignoli Cookies
User Reviews
5
Pignoli Cookies
Description
Pignoli Cookies are made primarily from almond paste, granulated sugar, and egg whites combined into a sticky dough. This dough is then shaped into balls, rolled in pignoli nuts, and baked until set but still slightly soft inside. The combination of almond paste and pine nuts gives these cookies a distinctive nutty flavor and a chewy, tender texture inside contrasted by the toasted nut exterior. The recipe advises moistening your hands to manage the sticky dough and using a cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
The cookies bake in about 15-17 minutes at 350°F, developing a light browning on top while maintaining a soft center. Cooling on a wire rack before storing helps preserve their delicate texture. Optionally, a dusting of confectioners' sugar adds a sweet finish. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them suitable for make-ahead treats or gifting.
With straightforward ingredients and careful handling of the dough, this recipe yields classic Italian pignoli cookies with a balance of sweet almond and pine nut flavors, great for serving with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (454g) almond paste sliced
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg white
- 1 1/2 cups (210g) pignoli nuts
- 1/4 cup (25g) confectioners sugar optional, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lay the pignoli out on a plate and set aside.
- Crumble the almond paste into a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium speed until combined (about 45 seconds).
- Add the egg whites and beat on medium until the dough is formed (about 2 minutes). The dough will be quite sticky.
- Using a cookie scoop, make tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them between your hands. If needed, dip hands in water to help prevent sticking.
- Roll the balls in the pignoli to coat lightly and transfer to a baking sheet. Using a spoon or the bottom of a glass, press the balls slightly to help the nuts adhere to the cookie, then place in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. The cookies will be lightly brown but still slightly soft in the center.
- Move the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing. If desired, sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dip your hands and prevent dough from sticking when shaping cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough evenly and facilitate rolling into balls.
- The confectioners' sugar sprinkle is purely decorative and can be omitted.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For convection ovens, reduce baking temperature by 25°F and start checking doneness earlier.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 36cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 121 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cookie | |
| Calories | 121kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7.4g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 76mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Sugar | 11.2g | 22% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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