Mom has been making these Italian American cookies for our Christmas gathering for over 40 years, and we look forward to these cookies appearing on the Christmas tray each year. We refer to them as Almond Paste Cookies in our family, but they are well known as "pignoli". The word pignoli refers to the pine nuts that you roll the cookie in.
If you try these cookies, I'd love to know. My young niece asked for the recipe last week and made them for her Christmas party. She said they were enjoyed by all.
Almond Paste Cookies
1/2 lb. almond paste (1 cup)
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp. flour
3 egg whites
1/3 cup powdered sugar
l lb. pine nuts (you can also use walnuts or sprinkles)
Mix almond paste, adding sugar slowly. Mom uses a fork or finger tips. I use my food processor and it works perfect for me. Add egg whites and when well blended, add flour and powdered sugar which has been sifted. Roll a teaspoon of dough (it will be very sticky) into a bowl of nuts. Place on a well-greased cookie sheet. (I use parchment paper). Remove while still warm with a spatula. If the batter is allowed to chill, it will be easier to handle.
Bake 300 degrees for about 30 min. I take mine out when the edges start showing a golden brown. Don't overbake.
Thanks so much for stopping by during this busy holiday season! I am joining Rattlebridge Farm for Foodie Friday.
Debbie
