How to Make Irresistible Pignoli Cookies: A Chewy Italian Delight
Learn how to make pignoli cookies! These Italian pine nut cookies are chewy, nutty, and full of rich almond flavor. They’re perfect for the holidays!
What are Pignoli Cookies?
Pignoli cookies are Italian pine nut cookies that likely originated in Sicily. Especially popular around the holidays, they’re traditionally made with just four ingredients: pine nuts (known as pignoli or pinoli in Italian), almond paste, sugar, and egg whites. The cookies feature a chewy, delicate texture similar to French macarons, coated with pine nuts.
In my version, I incorporate almond flour and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors and improve the dough’s texture. Keep reading to learn how to make these delightful cookies!
How to Make Pignoli Cookies
This pignoli cookie recipe features a key ingredient you may not be familiar with: almond paste. Almond paste is simply a mixture of almonds and sugar, available in most grocery store baking aisles (I recommend Odense or Trader Joe’s brands). Unlike marzipan, which has a higher sugar content, almond paste is essential for this recipe.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almond paste | 7 oz |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Powdered sugar | ¾ cup |
| Egg white | 1 large |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Pine nuts | 1 cup |
Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies (Love & Lemons Inspired)
These chewy, nutty Italian pine nut cookies are perfect for holiday baking or everyday treats — crispy on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with almond flavor! Love and Lemons
Original recipe inspiration: https://recipesoo.com/pignoli-cookie-recipe-love-and-lemons/
Video: How to Make Pignoli Cookies
Here’s a video tutorial showing how similar Italian pignoli cookies are made — great for step-by-step visuals:
Recipe Overview
| 📍 Recipe | Italian Pignoli Cookies |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Prep Time | ~20 minutes |
| ⏱ Cook Time | ~18–22 minutes |
| 🍽 Total Time | ~40 minutes |
| 🍪 Yield | ~15 cookies |
| 🔗 Source Inspired | Love & Lemons / Recipesoo (Love and Lemons) |
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine almond paste, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg white, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix in almond flour with a spatula.
- Roll the dough into balls using heaping tablespoons, then coat them with pine nuts, lightly pressing to adhere.
- Place the cookies on the baking sheet, flattening them slightly, and bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough if needed. The texture can vary depending on the almond paste. If too sticky, chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Press pine nuts into cookies. This will help prevent them from falling off during baking.
- Cooling time is key. Let cookies cool for 10 minutes on the sheet to help them set properly.
- Substitution advice. If pine nuts are too expensive, feel free to use blanched slivered almonds instead.
How to Store Italian Pignoli Cookies
These cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing is an option too. Seal in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Love and Lemons
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Make Cookie Dough – In a food processor, combine almond paste, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg white, and salt. Pulse until smooth and thick. Love and Lemons
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Add Almond Flour – Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the almond flour until combined. Love and Lemons
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Shape & Coat – Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in pine nuts, pressing gently to help them stick. Love and Lemons
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Bake – Place cookies on the sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Love and Lemons
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Cool & Enjoy – Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Love and Lemons
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