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One
of my favorite macaroon cookies which is featured in most Italian bakeries.
Pignoli (pine nuts) cookies are the Southern Italian
version of macaroons. Although considered a Sicilian treat, they're found all
over Southern Italy. These cookies are toasty on the outside
and creamy inside.
More of Linda's favorite
Cookie
Recipes,
and
Secrets To Making Perfect Cookies. Also learn
How To Have A Successful Holiday Cookie Exchange or Cookie
Swap.
For all your cookie baking
needs such as
cookie sheets,
cookie
cutters,
brownie pans,
wire cooling racks,
cookie
press,
cookie decorating kits,
Silicone Baking Mats, and
more.
Italian Pignoli Amaretti - Pine Nut Cookies
Recipe Type:
Cookies,
Christmas Cookie,
Pine Nuts, Almond
Paste,
Molded Cookies
Cuisine: Italian
Yields:
3 1/2 dozen
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) cans almond paste (not marzipan), coarsely crumbled*
1 1/2 cups powdered (confectioners') sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large
egg whites
2 tablespoons mild honey
1 cup (4 1/2 ounces) pine nuts
* It is important to use canned
almond paste only (the type sold in tubes is too crumbly and will not give the
cookies the right consistency).
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Either line cookie sheets
with parchment paper or a Silpat.In a food
processor, pulse almond paste until broken up into small bits, then add powdered
sugar and salt; continue to pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute. Add egg
whites and and honey; process until well combined.
NOTE: Have a bowl of water near to dip your fingers
in before rolling each cookie. This will keep the dough from sticking to your
fingers.
Using a rounded teaspoon for each cookie, roll the dough into 1-inch
balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cooking sheets. Lightly flatten each
cookie and press some pine nuts into each cookie to cover.
Bake cookies in upper and lower thirds of oven,
switching position of sheets halfway through baking, approximately 12 to 15
minutes until lightly golden brown and soft and springy. Remove from oven and and transfer to wire racks to cool
completely before serving.
The cookies can by prepared up to 3 weeks ahead
and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen cookies.
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