Originating in Southern Italy, pignoli cookies are an elegant cookie made with only a few simple ingredients. Naturally dairy and gluten free, these traditional Italian pine nut cookies have soft, chewy almond centers studded with delicate, toasted pine nuts.
- 2 8- ounce package almond paste (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg white (at room temperature)
- 1 orange (zested)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups pine nuts
- Powdered sugar (for dusting (optional))
Blend almond paste with sugar, egg white, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Place pine nuts in a bowl for rolling.
Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll in pine nuts to coat.
Place cookies onto baking sheet a few inches apart.
Bake for 14 - 16 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
When completely cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).
Calories: 145kcal Carbohydrates: 15g Protein: 2g Fat: 9g Sodium: 54mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 13g Vitamin C: 1mg