Virtually 20 years in the past, I used to be handed some of the scrumptious cookies I had ever tasted. The Pignoli Cookie is exclusive in taste and texture; fully not like something I had tasted earlier than.
The restaurant where I first tasted these cookie does not share their recipe; they simply called them Pinon Cookies (a.k.a. Pine Nut Cookies). Crunchy, chewy, sweet and nutty, these cookies are a perfect match for any almond-lover.
Pine Nut Cookies
I spent three years thinking about those cookies and wondering how on earth they were made. Many of the recipes for cookies with pine nuts that I found were merely sugar cookies or shortbread topped with or rolled in pine nuts.
I’m sure those cookies are delicious, but that was not what I was searching for this time. I eventually learned that these pine nut cookies are most commonly known as Italian Pignoli Cookies or Italian Pine Nut Cookies. In New Mexico where I first tried them, they are called Pinon Cookies.
As you can guess, I was beyond excited to share the recipe with you all after I finally found this recipe.
I followed the recipe, tasted one of these cookies, and nearly shrieked out loud with joy. The hunt was over. These Italian Pine Nut Cookies are every bit as delicious as I’d remembered.
The recipe and method below have been very lightly adapted from and with an abundance of thanks to Shockingly Delicious.
Italian Pignoli Cookies
Over the previous few years, I’ve shared these cookies with family and friends numerous instances, and each single individual that tastes them feedback on how distinctive and irresistible they’re.
These cookies at all times carry individuals again for “only one extra” and I’ve acquired many requests for the recipe. And full disclosure, this can be a cookie that I merely cannot resist.
I made a batch a couple of weeks in the past to share with buddies and I wound up consuming not less than 6 of them earlier than I lastly packed them as much as share! The cookies are so mild and ethereal, they’re an irresistible, candy, and satisfying deal with.
Pignoli Cookies are an sudden and completely good addition to the standard line-up of vacation or any-day cookies. I like the anticipated conventional vacation treats like Peppermint Bark and fudge however typically it’s good so as to add one thing completely different to the rotation.
In the event you like these cookies, you’re additionally more likely to get pleasure from Mexican Wedding Cookies and Pfeffernusse (German Pepper Nut Cookies).
Pignoli Cookie Recipe
Pine Nut Cookies made this manner are fully gluten free, because it seems. I at all times love when a deal with I like will be served to my family and friends who keep away from gluten.
Whereas I’ve had nice success utilizing gluten free substitutes for wheat flour, it’s good when a recipe is already wheat and gluten free.
This recipe doesn’t use any flour in any respect. The pignoli cookies get their mild ethereal texture because of a mix of egg whites and almond paste.
You’ll want simply 4 elements to make these cookies:
- almond paste
- sugar
- egg whites
- pine nuts
In the event you’ve by no means baked with almond paste earlier than, yow will discover it within the baking aisle of most well-stocked grocery shops. It’s also possible to purchase almond paste online. It is available in a can, field, or roll and will likely be very stiff if you open it.
With a view to work with the almond paste and incorporate it right into a dough, you first have to interrupt it right into a granular texture utilizing a meals processor.
The method takes a couple of minutes after which the almond paste is able to be combined with sugar and folded in with overwhelmed egg whites.
After chilling the pignoli dough, toasted pine nuts are pressed on prime of every cookie. The pine nuts not solely look fairly however give these cookies their main taste.
I’m repeating myself right here to be particularly clear. This recipe requires almond paste, NOT marzipan or almond cake filling.
Almond Paste will be discovered within the baking aisle in most grocery shops. It’s sometimes offered in an 8-ounce can or field within the US.
The paste will likely be very agency and a meals processor is required with a purpose to work with it. The paste won’t mix with the opposite elements till it has been damaged right into a granular combination as pictured above.
Look particularly for almond paste within the baking part of your favourite grocery retailer.
Take care to not unintentionally choose up marzipan or almond cake filling, neither of those will work. The almond paste is completely different than each of these and is required to present the dough the proper texture.
Extra Almond Desserts
I like desserts made with all issues almond. From almond extract to almond flour, this versatile nut performs a key function in so many scrumptious treats.
These Scandinavian Almond Bars with a shortbread texture and nutty flavor have been a favourite for some time.
Tender, buttery, lightly sweetened Almond Cake is a deal with with a cup of espresso or tea within the afternoon, nevertheless it’s additionally a company-worthy dessert for any event.
Crunchy toasted Brioche topped with jam and almonds creates an irresistible pastry called Bostock. So simple as it sounds (and is to make) when you’ve tasted it, I’m prepared to guess that you simply’ll be telling everybody about it.
You must also try these Almond Pillow Cookies by The Noshery and Almond Lace Wafers by The View from Nice Island for those who’re after almond cookies.
In the event you’re a fan of nutty cookies, you would possibly just like the Toffee Coconut Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies or the Walnut Cookies too.
In search of extra gluten-free desserts? Try all the Gluten Free Dessert Recipes on this web site!
Have you ever had Pine Nut Cookies earlier than?
I spent so a few years eager about these first pinon cookies I attempted and I couldn’t be extra thrilled to have lastly discovered a pine nut cookie recipe that exceeds my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to how you want them!
{initially revealed 11/13/12 – recipe notes and images up to date 12/5/22}
