Gluten-Free Italian Pignoli Cookies

A pignolo is a macaroon typical of Sicily, Italy. It is a very popular cookie in all of Southern Italy and in Sicilian communities in the United States. This crispy on the bottom and chewy on the inside gluten-free cookie recipe is a twist on a traditional Italian holiday treat, pignoli, or pine nut cookies. Made with almond paste, a mixture of ground almonds and sugar. Cookies can be stacked in an airtight container with parchment separating each layer.

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 cookies
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • ¾ cup pine nuts

  • 1 (7 ounce) package almond paste

  • ½ cup cane sugar

  • ½ cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting

  • 2 large egg whites

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose baking flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Set oven racks in the center and lower third and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place pine nuts in a bowl.

  2. Beat almond paste, cane sugar, and confectioners' sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until crumbly. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat on medium speed until a smooth paste forms, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and salt and beat until combined; dough will be very tacky.

  3. Scoop 1 tablespoon dough and use damp hands to drop it into the pine nuts, coating one side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet with the nuts facing up. Repeat to form remaining cookies.

  4. Bake cookies in the preheated oven, rotating halfway through, until the edges are golden brown, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

  5. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

83 Calories
5g Fat
9g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 83
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Sodium 30mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 56mg 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.