Stage 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture together until it forms a sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can add the optional 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help with consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Stage 2: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Each ball should be about the size of a walnut.
- Coat with Pine Nuts: Gently press the tops of each dough ball into the bowl of pine nuts, making sure they’re coated evenly. The pine nuts should stick to the sticky surface of the dough.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inchesapart. You can slightly flatten the balls with your fingers or leave them as is for a more rounded appearance.
Stage 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are firm to the touch. The cookies should still be soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Stage 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Once the cookies are fully cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Pignoli cookies are delicious on their own or can be served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Storage: Store leftover pignoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Toasting the Pine Nuts: For an extra burst of flavor, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning them.
- Alternative Nuts: You can also experiment with other nuts, such as chopped pistachios or hazelnuts, in place of or in addition to the pine nuts for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Glaze (Optional): If you like a bit of shine or extra sweetness, you can lightly glaze the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of water or milk until smooth, then drizzling over the cookies.
Conclusion
Pignoli cookies are a simple yet elegant treat, offering the perfect balance of almond flavor and crunchy pine nuts. Their chewy texture and delicate sweetness make them a standout at any gathering or holiday table. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies will bring a taste of Italian tradition to your kitchen. Enjoy!