Pignoli cookies, also known as Italian pine nut cookies, are a classic treat that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. They are characterized by their crispy texture, nutty flavor, and the addition of pine nuts, which adds a unique crunch. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, finding the best pignoli cookie recipe can be a daunting task. With so many variations available, it can be difficult to know where to start. This article aims to help you find the perfect pignoli cookie recipe that suits your taste and skill level. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide that includes tips, tricks, and a selection of the best pignoli cookie recipes, making it easier for you to create delicious and authentic Italian pine nut cookies at home.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PIGNOLI COOKIES
There are two kinds of pignoli cookies I grew up eating. While the crunchy version is also delicious, I am a sucker for the sweet chewiness of this soft, meringue-y version. They are also gluten free so I like to include them on holiday plates so everyone has something to enjoy.
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories dessert
Time 35m
Yield 12 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Break apart the almond paste in the bowl of a food processor. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, salt and egg white and pulse until smooth. Scoop 1-tablespoon balls of dough directly into the pine nuts and gently roll them in the pine nuts, pressing gently to adhere. (The dough is soft but the pine nuts will help make it easier to handle.)
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned around the edges and puffed, 16 to 18 minutes. Allow to cool completely on the tray before removing them with an offset spatula.
PIGNOLI COOKIES II
Also called pine nut cookies. I make them and my family eats them so quickly I have to hide a few so I get some.
Provided by Maryellen
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Use a pastry chopper (or food processor) to break up the almond paste into a granulated form. Put in mixing bowl and gradually add the sugar.
- In another small bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold the egg whites into the sugar/almond paste mixture gently.
- On a greased and floured cookie sheet, drop a spoonful of the mixture. Press pine nuts into the top of the cookie (you want to cover the top with nuts).
- Bake at 325 degrees F (170 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.2 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 11.1 mg, Sugar 16.8 g
LITTLE ITALY PIGNOLI COOKIES
Both of my grandmas came from Italy. Of all the wonderful desserts they made, these cookies were always my family's favorite. Now I make them for every get-together. They are easy and use just five ingredients!
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, beat almond paste, egg white and honey until crumbly. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; mix well., Place pine nuts in a small bowl. Shape teaspoons of dough into balls. Roll in pine nuts. Place 1 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten slightly., Bake 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 34 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 1mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
PIGNOLI COOKIES I
They are pleasantly sweet, made with almond paste and pine nuts, but no flour.
Provided by Adele
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h10m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 2 cookie sheets with foil; lightly grease foil.
- Mix almond paste and granulated sugar in food processor until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar and 2 egg whites; process until smooth.
- Whisk remaining 2 egg whites in small bowl. Place pine nuts on shallow plate. With lightly floured hands, roll dough into 1 inch balls. Coat balls in egg whites, shaking off excess, then roll in pine nuts, pressing lightly to stick. Arrange balls on cookie sheets, and flatten slightly to form a 1 1/2 inch round.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let stand on cookie sheet 1 minute. Transfer to wire rack to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.4 g, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 7.3 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
ITALIAN PIGNOLI COOKIES
Cookies are the crown jewels of Italian confections. I can't let a holiday go by without baking these traditional almond cookies rolled in mild pine nuts.-Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 45m
Yield 2-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a small bowl, beat almond paste and sugar until crumbly. Beat in 2 egg whites. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; mix well., Whisk remaining egg whites in a shallow bowl. Place pine nuts in another shallow bowl. Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Roll in egg whites and coat with pine nuts. Place 2 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten slightly., Bake at 325° until lightly browned, 15-18 minutes. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 112 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 7mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
PIGNOLI COOKIES
This is our family's recipe for pignoli cookies that has been handed down from my fathers Italian side for many years. These are moist, chewy and sweet.
Provided by Joanne117
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 6 dozen, 36 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Break up the almond paste into a food processor. Process about 15 seconds until paste is evenly broken up. Add granulated sugar and process another 30 seconds until mixture is smooth.
- In electric mixer, beat eqq whites until soft peaks form. Beat in almond extract. Add almond paste mixture to egg whites one cup at a time, beating after each addition.
- Place pignoli nuts in shallow dish. Drop 3/4 teaspoon of almond paste mixture into nuts. Form into ball - it will be soft and not quite perfect. Place on aluminum foil cut to fit cookie sheets. Place cookies 1" apart (approximately 20 per sheet). Bake approximately 15 minutes, until cookie and nuts are golden brown. If you bake two cookie sheets at a time, alternate placement of cookie sheets after 7 minutes of cooking to ensure even browning.
- When cookies are done, slide foil off cookies sheets and leave cookie on sheets until cookies are cool.
- Store in plastic container or freeze (they freeze perfectly just place in a plastic contained lined with aluminum foil or wax paper, cover tightly).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.2, Fat 16.7, SaturatedFat 1.3, Sodium 7.7, Carbohydrate 15.8, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 12.5, Protein 4.2
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will be. Look for fresh, unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and finely ground almonds.
- Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Bake the cookies until they are just golden brown. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. This will help them keep their shape and texture.
Conclusion:
Pignoli cookies are a delicious and elegant treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their delicate almond flavor and crunchy pine nuts, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you are looking for a special cookie to bake, give these pignoli cookies a try. You won't be disappointed!
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