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Pignoli Cookies - Italian Pine Nut Cookies
5 from 21 votes

Pignoli Cookies - Italian Pine Nut Cookies

Pignoli Cookies are tender Italian cookies made from almond flour and sugar, combined with egg whites to form a sticky dough. Each cookie is rolled in pine nuts before baking, creating a cookie with a slightly golden exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The lemon or almond extract adds a subtle aroma, complementing the nutty flavors.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 117 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 150 g almond flour approx 1+½ cups
  • 1 egg white
  • 140 g sugar approx ¾ cup, or cane sugar or powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 140 g pine nuts approx 1 cup

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the almond flour and sugar in a food processor and pulse them until you reach a sandy consistency, and transfer to a bowl. If you use powdered sugar, simply mix the two ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Add the egg white, baking powder and almond extract (if using) into the bowl, and mix all the ingredients together to form a slightly sticky dough.
  3. Use your hands to form small even balls. The mixture should be sticky but fairly firm, and the balls should hold their shape when placed on the baking tray.
  4. Place the pine nuts into a small bowl, and dip each ball into the pine nuts, pressing it slightly so that the pine nuts adhere to the surface.Arrange the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F and arrange the baking tray onto the middle shelf of the oven.
  6. Place the pine nut cookies in the oven and bake them for 15-17 minutes. The cookies should have a slightly golden colour and should still feel quite soft when removed from the oven.
  7. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely, they will harden as they cool. Serve them straight away or dust them with powdered sugar and serve.

Notes

  • Use a small cookie scoop to form evenly sized dough balls for consistent baking.
  • Dip balls directly into pine nuts or brush with extra egg white before dipping for better nut adhesion.
  • Check cookies starting at 12 minutes baking to avoid overcooking; they should be soft inside.
  • Cool completely on a rack to allow the exterior to crisp while the inside remains chewy.
  • Store cookies in airtight containers in a cool place or fridge up to 3-4 days to preserve freshness.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cookie Calories 117kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Sodium 13mg (1%) Potassium 4mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Calcium 31mg (3%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 117

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cookie
Calories 117kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Sodium 13mg 1%
Potassium 4mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%
Calcium 31mg 3%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.