Name: Italian Pignoli Cookies (Pine Nut Cookies)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Italian

It is a Keeper Verified

February 13, 2026

These pignoli cookies are a classic southern Italian favorite with a distinct almond flavor. Crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, pignoli, or pine nut, cookies, are kid friendly and take less than 30 minutes to make. Enjoy this easy recipe at holiday gatherings, or at any occasion.

Italian Pignoli Cookies (Pine Nut Cookies)

Italian Pignoli Cookies (Pine Nut Cookies) cover

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Italian Pignoli Cookies (Pine Nut Cookies)

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

WarningEggs and 1 other allergen identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Break the almond paste into smaller chunks and place in a food processor.

Pulse until the paste resembles crumbs.

Add the sugar and pulse until the mixture is the texture of wet sand.

Add the egg whites to the food processor and pulse until the mixture becomes a solid dough.

Pour the pine nuts into a small bowl.

Divide the dough into 24 portions and roll each portion into a ball.

Press the pine nuts onto one side of the ball.

Place the ball, pine nut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned and set.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to finish cooling.

When cookies are completely cooled, dust them with confectioners sugar.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Almond Paste Quality 🧈
Use high-quality, fresh almond paste for the most authentic and intense almond flavor in your pignoli cookies.
Pine Nut Coating Technique 🥜
Gently press pine nuts into the cookie dough balls to ensure maximum adherence and even coverage during baking.
Egg White Whipping Secret 🥚
Whip egg whites to soft peaks before folding into the almond paste mixture for a lighter, more delicate cookie texture.
Precise Sugar Blending 🍬
Sift confectioners' sugar thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, consistent cookie batter.
Baking Sheet Magic 🍪
Use a parchment-lined or silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure perfect cookie release every time.

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About the Cook

It is a Keeper

Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.