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Pasticcini di Mandorla are classic almond cookies from Italy, mainly enjoyed in Sicily and various regions across the country. Crafting these Italian cookies is a straightforward process. They exhibit a wonderfully tender interior coupled with a slight outer crispness. The tradition involves adorning these petite almond paste cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar and embellished with vibrant red and green candied cherries or whole almond. Their delightful presence makes them a splendid choice for festive occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 6½ cups almond flour
  • 2½ cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg whites
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp almond extract
Topping
  • Candied Cherries assorted colors.
  • Whole Almonds (optional)

Method
 

  1. Combine almond flour, sugar, and lemon zest in a spacious bowl. Gradually incorporate the beaten egg whites using a spatula. Integrate honey and almond flavor extract until thoroughly blended. The dough's texture should be pliant, yet not excessively adhesive.
  2. Coat your hands with confectioners' sugar and gather a substantial portion of the dough. Gently roll it on a work surface dusted with confectioners' sugar. Proceed to slice it into approximately ½ x ½ inch segments. Alternatively, you can opt for a pastry bag equipped with a star tip for a different approach.
  3. Coat your hands with confectioners' sugar and take a substantial portion of the dough. Gently roll it on a work surface that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar. Proceed to cut it into approximately ½ x ½ inch pieces. An alternative option is to utilize a pastry bag equipped with a star tip.
  4. Shape each piece of dough into a round cookie form, rolling it in confectioners' sugar. Place them aside on a work surface dusted with sugar. Continue this process with the remaining dough.
    Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Enhance their appearance by adorning them with halves of candied cherries or whole almonds.
  5. Place the cookies in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cookies to exhibit a pleasing light golden-brown hue on both the top and bottom surfaces.