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5.0 from 54 votes

Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli cookies are a classic Italian cookie made with almond paste, sugar, egg whites, pine nuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 121 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces (454g) almond paste sliced
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups (210g) pignoli nuts
  • 1/4 cup (25g) confectioner's sugar optional, for decorating

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lay the pignoli out on a plate and set aside.
  2. Crumble the almond paste into a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer.
  3. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium speed until combined (about 45 seconds).
  4. Add the egg whites and beat on medium until the dough is formed (about 2 minutes). The dough will be quite sticky.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Move the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing. If desired, sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The dough is extremely sticky. Keeping a small bowl of water on the side to dip your hands will help tremendously.  Also, a cookie scoop comes in extremely handy here.
  • The confectioner's sugar used is optional and is for decorative purposes only. 
  • Pignoli cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • This recipe was written for a conventional oven.  For convection ovens, reduce the temperature by 25 degrees and begin checking for doneness at the 75% mark.

Nutrition Information

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 36cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 121

% 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.