Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to allow for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Process Almond Paste

Open the almond paste tube, cut it into small pieces, or break it apart with your hands.

Place the almond paste pieces into the food processor.

Process until the almond paste is fully broken down into a fine crumbly texture.

Step 4: Add Sugars

With the food processor running, add the granulated and powdered sugars.

Process until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Add Egg White and Extract

Add the egg white, a pinch of salt, and almond extract (if using) to the mixture.

Process again until a sticky, cookie-like batter forms. It should be thick enough to roll into balls. If it’s too thin, you can add a little bit of almond flour to achieve the right consistency.

Step 6: Form Cookies

Take a mini ice cream scoop or a measuring spoon to scoop the dough.

Roll the scooped dough into balls with your hands. If the dough sticks to your hands, you can lightly wet them with water.

Roll each dough ball into the pine nuts until fully coated.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten. This helps them bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden.

Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Optionally, you can sprinkle them with icing sugar for a decorative touch.

Enjoy your freshly baked pignoli cookies, a sweet and nutty Italian treat perfect for any occasion!