There are many types of cookies that originate in Italian culinary heritage but the Pignoli cookie is one that is popularly found at Italian bakeries. These sweet, chewy, and nutty treats are a must-try if you are an almond lover, they may just become your new fave.
The Italian city of Sicily can be credited for the creation of Pigoli cookies. This makes sense as Sicily is famous for producing high-quality pine nuts and almonds. In the late 1800s, these delicious cookies came to America when many Italians immigrated to the United States.
Pignoli cookies have a delectable combination of sweetness and almond flavor. The texture is soft, yet the addition of pine nuts gives them a satisfying crunch.
These cookies get their taste from the almond extract they are infused with. Additionally, the pine nuts that are mixed into the dough are a great complement to the already nutty taste.
Tips for the Perfect Pignoli Cookies
If you are making Pignoli cookies, here are a few tips to make sure yours turn out perfectly.
- Start by chilling the batter before baking, as this adds an extra measure of deliciousness.
- Use a quick-release foil or parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make handling them easier.
- If, while mixing, you find the dough is too wet rolling, gradually add more flour.
- To enhance the flavor of the pine nuts, briefly toast them before adding them to the recipe.
Italian Pignoli Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound almond paste
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
Directions:
1. Use a pastry chopper to break up the almond paste and place it in a mixing bowl. Then add sugar to the bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond paste mixture.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased and floured cookie sheet. Place pine nuts on top of each cookie.
4. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Once finished baking, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Once the cookies have finished cooling, they can be stored in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for up to three days.
Although Italian cookies are known for being expensive, you can make them at home without breaking the bank. They are a homemade treat your family will love. And Pignoli? In Italian, this translates to picky, so you know this is a sweet everyone is sure to enjoy.
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