How to Make Gluten-Free Italian Pignoli Cookies - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian pignoli cookies, also known as pine nut cookies, are a classic Italian dessert that is loved for its delicate almond flavor and chewy texture. These traditional cookies are made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, then rolled in pine nuts before being baked to perfection. This recipe for gluten-free Italian pignoli cookies offers a delicious twist on the classic version, making it accessible to those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

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Ingredients

  • 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

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 24 cookies

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar.
  • Nutrition

    83 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 30mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 16mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 56mg