Easy Italian Pignoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 2

Break up the almond paste into 1 inch pieces and put it in the bowl of a food processor. Add the sugar and salt and pulse until combined, about 30 seconds. It should resemble corn meal.

Step 3

Add 2/3 of the egg whites and process about 30 seconds. Slowly add what is needed from the remaining egg whites until a sticky dough is formed. The dough will be wet and sticky, but you will be able to roll it into balls between your hands.

Step 4

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into 1 inch balls, about 25 grams each.

Step 5

Roll the balls in the pine nuts. The stickiness of the dough will help the nuts stick.

Step 6

Place on a parchment lined baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake until the nuts are starting to turn golden, about 15-18 minutes. Don’t overbake.

Step 7

Optional: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar.