Pignoli cookies are soft, chewy, perfectly nutty, and absolutely irresistible. Reviewers say this pignoli cookie recipe creates Italian bakery-worthy results!
What Are Pignoli Cookies?
A pignolo ("pignoli" when it's plural) is a traditional Italian cookie. The pine nut-studded cookies are made with egg whites and almond paste, which gives them a nutty flavor and airy texture.
Pignoli Cookie Ingredients
These are the ingredients you'll need to make this top-rated pignoli cookie recipe:
- Almond paste: You can buy almond paste at the store or make your own at home.
- Sugars: You'll need both white and confectioners' sugars.
- Egg whites: Egg whites give the pignoli cookies a light and airy texture.
- Pine nuts: Pine nuts are the main ingredient in pignolis! A more budget-friendly option is sliced almonds.
- Flour: Lightly flour your hands before rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
How to Make Pignoli Cookies
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these pignoli cookies:
- Blend the almond paste and white sugar in a food processor.
- Add the confectioners' sugar and two egg whites. Blend.
- Roll the dough into balls.
- Coat each ball in egg whites, then roll in pine nuts.
- Arrange the dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly browned.
How to Store Pignoli Cookies
Allow the pignoli cookies to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have to stack the cookies, make sure to place wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Absolutely wonderful," raves CMKONTHEGO. "Moist and chewy with a crispy bottom — great flavor too. Just like the ones from the New York bakeries. I will make them again and again!"
"This is a fantastic cookie for your "favorite" family members and friends," says Lori Lennon. "When I make them for my Italian Momma, she'll actually hide them so no one else can have one! They are a very special cookie and worth every cent!"
"These came out absolutely delicious," according to Always Cooking Up Something. "I had to chill the dough for about 15 minutes before it was firm enough to form the cookies, but other than that everything turned out perfect!"
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
-
cooking spray
-
12 ounces almond paste
-
½ cup white sugar
-
1 cup confectioners' sugar
-
4 egg whites, divided
-
1 ½ cups pine nuts
-
all-purpose flour for rolling
Directions
-
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 2 cookie sheets with foil; lightly grease the foil with cooking spray.
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
-
Place almond paste and white sugar in a food processor; blend until combined. Add confectioners' sugar and 2 egg whites; blend until smooth.
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
-
Whisk remaining 2 egg whites in a small bowl. Place pine nuts on a shallow plate.
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
-
With lightly floured hands, roll dough into 1-inch balls. Coat balls in egg whites, shaking off excess, then roll in pine nuts, pressing lightly to stick.
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
-
Arrange balls on cookie sheets, and flatten slightly to form a 1 1/2-inch round.
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
-
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 15 to 18 minutes. Let stand on cookie sheets briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
Cook’s Note
Use gluten-free flour when shaping the cookies if you need to keep these treats free from gluten.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 101 | Calories |
| 6g | Fat |
| 11g | Carbs |
| 3g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 36 | |
| Calories 101 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 6g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 4% |
| Sodium 7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 11g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| Protein 3g | 5% |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 18mg | 1% |
| Iron 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium 70mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
