Are you ready to indulge in a sweet and nutty treat that will leave you wanting more? Look no further than the classic Italian cookie, Pignoli! These crumbly little morsels are typically made with almond paste, pine nuts, and confectioners’ sugar, but we’re taking it up a notch by offering 18 decadent pignoli cookies recipes for you to try.
From classic flavors like vanilla bean and dark chocolate, to more unique twists like matcha green tea and lavender, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian baking or looking to mix things up with some creative flavor combinations, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get baking, and treat yourself to the pignoli cookies of your dreams!
Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are a beloved Italian classic that’s both simple and elegant. These anise-flavored shortbread-like cookies are typically shaped into pinecone forms and coated in powdered sugar, making them a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon anise extract
– Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add anise extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Shape into pinecones or small balls; place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Almond Flour Pignoli Cookies
Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies get a delicious twist with the use of almond flour! These crumbly treats are perfect for dunking in your favorite beverage or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of red food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Gluten-Free Pignoli Cookies
These chewy, nutty cookies are a staple of Italian baking, and with this gluten-free recipe, everyone can enjoy the delight. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pine nuts (or pistachios)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in chopped nuts and salt.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Honey-Sweetened Pignoli Cookies
These chewy cookies are made with honey instead of traditional sugar, giving them a unique flavor and texture. Perfect for snack time or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pine nuts (or walnuts or pistachios)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and honey until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour, confectioners’ sugar, and pine nuts. Mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vegan Pignoli Cookies
Vegan Pignoli Cookies Recipe
These chewy cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic Italian pignoli cookie with a vegan twist, using hazelnuts and anise extract for added depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), softened
- 1 tablespoon anise extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together hazelnuts, vegan butter, anise extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until firm to the touch.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Zest Pignoli Cookies
Lemon Zest Pignoli Cookies: A Bright Twist on a Classic Favorite
These chewy cookies are infused with the brightness of lemon zest and the crunch of pine nuts, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice and zest; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in pine nuts.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Orange Blossom Pignoli Cookies
These tender cookies are infused with the sweet scent of orange blossom water, making them a unique and delightful addition to any cookie platter. With their crunchy pine nut centers and chewy edges, they’re sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup orange blossom water
– 1/2 cup chopped pine nuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and butter until smooth.
3. Add orange blossom water, pine nuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Pignoli Cookies
These buttery cookies are a classic Italian treat, infused with the sweetness of chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon anise extract
– 1 egg
– 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and anise extract until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
8. Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate; place on parchment paper to set.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cinnamon-Spiced Pignoli Cookies
These traditional Italian cookies get a delightful twist from the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of chopped nuts. Perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage or as a sweet treat on their own.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts or walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until a dough forms.
5. Fold in chopped nuts.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Rosemary-Infused Pignoli Cookies
Elevate the traditional pignoli cookie by infusing it with the savory flavor of rosemary. These cookies are perfect for those who love herbs and want to add a unique touch to their baking.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– Pine nuts for coating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and rosemary.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Coconut Pignoli Cookies
These bite-sized treats combine the traditional Italian cookies with the creamy richness of coconut, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1 egg white
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Stir in shredded coconut, egg white, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Syrup Pignoli Cookies
These bite-sized cookies are a perfect blend of traditional pignoli flavors and the richness of pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon pure Canadian maple syrup
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add pine nuts and maple syrup; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cardamom Pignoli Cookies
These aromatic cookies combine the sweetness of pine nuts with the warmth of cardamom, creating a unique and irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, these chewy cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup pine nuts (pignoli)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add cardamom, vanilla extract, and flour; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in pine nuts and salt.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pistachio Pignoli Cookies
Pistachio Pignoli Cookies Recipe
These crunchy and chewy cookies are infused with the nutty flavor of pistachios and a hint of anise, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup ground pistachios
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon anise extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the egg and anise extract; beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. Enjoy!
Vanilla Bean Pignoli Cookies
These chewy cookies are infused with the sweet, creamy flavor of vanilla bean and topped with a crunchy pine nut coating. Perfect for a special treat or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup pine nuts (pignoli)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. While still warm, roll cookies in melted butter and then pine nuts.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Dark Chocolate Pignoli Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the classic Italian cookie with a deep, dark chocolate twist. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these treats are easy to make and sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pine nuts (pignoli)
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in pine nuts and dark chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Matcha Green Tea Pignoli Cookies
These crispy cookies infused with the subtle bitterness of matcha green tea are a perfect treat for any occasion. With a hint of sweetness and a nutty flavor, they’re sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pine nuts (pignoli)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add matcha powder, flour, salt, and almond extract; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in pine nuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lavender Pignoli Cookies
These bite-sized cookies are infused with the calming essence of lavender, creating a unique and alluring treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Beat in the egg and lavender buds until well combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in 18 decadent pignoli cookies recipes that will make your taste buds dance! From classic Italian flavors to unique twists like honey-sweetened and vegan options, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to make these crumbly cookies with a nutty center using different types of flour, sweeteners, and flavorings. Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or looking to mix things up, this collection of recipes is sure to satisfy your cookie cravings.
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