Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? Then get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible pignoli cookies! These delightful little morsels, with their crunchy texture and nutty sweetness, are perfect for any occasion – from a casual afternoon tea to a festive holiday gathering. This easy recipe makes homemade cooking a breeze, even for beginner bakers. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pine nuts (pignoli)
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works too!
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Adding the Pine Nuts
Gently fold in the pine nuts. Don't worry about them being perfectly distributed; some will sink to the bottom, adding to the delightful textural variety.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed once they have fully cooled.
Tips for Perfect Pignoli Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure that it creams properly with the sugars.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- High-Quality Pine Nuts: Using fresh, high-quality pine nuts will make a big difference in the flavor of your cookies.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different flavor profile. You could also use other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, although the traditional pignoli nuts are simply the best.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These pignoli cookies are a delicious and relatively healthy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling overly guilty. They also make fantastic gifts, especially around the holidays. Enjoy this simple yet elegant recipe – your friends and family will thank you!