Sicilian Almond Paste Cookies
17/11/2023Sicilian almond paste cookies are delicious little treats, ideal to enjoy with a coffee or a bitter liqueur after meals. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients
- 250 g peeled almonds
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg white
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (organic)
- A few drops of bitter almond essence (optional)
- Granulated sugar to taste (for coating)
- Candied cherries or whole almonds (for decoration)
Preparation
- Start by finely grinding the almonds in a food processor, aiming for the finest flour possible.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour with the powdered sugar and the grated lemon zest. If you want a more intense flavor, add a few drops of bitter almond essence, but be careful not to overdo it as it is very strong.
- Incorporate the egg white into the mixture, working with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous and pliable dough.
- Form small balls with your hands and roll them in granulated sugar, then place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- If desired, decorate each ball with a candied cherry or a whole almond, pressing lightly to make it adhere to the dough.
- Let the balls rest for at least an hour so they dry slightly on the surface; this will help create the typical cracks during baking.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake the almond cookies for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and show the characteristic cracks.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.
The charm of these delights lies in the external crunchiness contrasted with the soft and slightly moist center. They are a classic of Sicilian pastry, representative of the use of almonds on the island.
In Sicily, almond paste cookies can vary in shape and decoration; sometimes they are colored or flavored with other ingredients, such as orange or pistachio, to create a varied assortment. Enjoy!
