ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (2024)

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The almond cookies are "a must" of the Sicilian culinary tradition. They are prepared with the Almond paste, called "pasta reale" in Sicily (King's paste).

The legend wants that the recipe was created in the XII century in the convent of the "Martorana" in Palermo and that his name is due to his goodness (worthy of a King!).

These delicious cookies are as good as easy to do! Accompany them with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Marsala, the typical Sicilian sweet wine.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (1)
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INGREDIENTS

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ORIGIN OF “PASTA DI MANDORLE”

The origin of the Italian almond Paste is pretty ancient.

The most popular tale wants the Pasta di Mandorle created for the first time in the Convent of Martorana in the Sicilian city of Palermo, around the 12th Century, thanks of the founder Eloisa da Martorana.

But, some historians believe that the origin of almond paste can be dated since the 3th Century BC, when the Persian and Indian merchants started to sell the sugar and almonds to the Roman Empire.

We know for sure that since the 5th Century, the Arabs imported in Sicily many of their recipes, including sweets made with spices, dried fruits, and sugar.

The nuns of Martorana probably refined old recipes into what we now call Pasta di Mandorle or Pasta Reale.

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TYPICAL SICILIAN PRODUCT WITH ALMOND PASTE

The almond paste is a critical ingredient for several Sicilian sweets and desserts.

The Almond cookies are probably the most simple recipe with Pasta di Mandorle. They are prepared in many ways with pure or flavored almond paste, depending on the part of the island.

For instance, in the region around Etna, the almond cookies are aromatized with hazelnuts. Otherwise, in the county of Bronte, they are flavored with the famous local pistachios.

Another spectacular Sicilian candy is the Frutta Martorana, also invented in the Martorana convent on the occasion of a visit of the local Bishop.

Even the popular Cassata Siciliana is made with sweet ricotta and almond paste, then decorated with candied fruit.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (5)

PREPARE THE ALMOND PASTE

First of all, sift the powdered sugar, then mix the sugar with the almond flour in a large bowl.

After that, add the grated zests of half lemon and half orange into the bowl, 3 drops of vanilla extract.

Finally, mix all the ingredients with the whites of 3 large eggs lightly beaten.

Work the dough until it is compact and hom*ogeneous, then pour it into a pastry bag provided with a large decorating tip.

Place the pastry bag into the refrigerator 20 minutes.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (6)

MAKING THE ALMOND COOKIES

Line a baking pan with parchment paper. With the pastry bag, form cookies about 2 inches wide right on the parchment paper, adding half Maraschino Cherry on the top of each cookie.

Then, store the drip pan in the fridge for at least 8 hours (it’s easy to prepare the almond cookies the night before for the following day!).

The resting in the fridge is critical because the cookies don’t sag while cooking.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (7)

BAKING AND SERVING

When the almond cookies are ready to be cooked, set the oven to 350° F and bake the cookies by taking them directly from the fridge.

Bake the cookies 10-15 minutes, turning the dripping pan halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown. Finally, operate the broil a few minutes, until the cookies are golden! The almond cookies should be crispy outside and soft inside.

Serve the almond cookies with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Italian dessert wine.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (8)

CHOCOLATE FUDGE MUFFIN with blueberries whipped cream

PRINTABLE VERSION

Yield: 5

TRADITIONAL SICILIAN ALMOND COOKIES

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (10)

The almond cookies are "a must" of the Sicilian culinary tradition. They are prepared with the Almond paste, called "pasta reale" in Sicily (King's paste).

The legend wants that the recipe was created in the XII century in the convent of the "Martorana" in Palermo and that his name is due to his goodness (worthy of a King!).

These delicious cookies are as good as easy to do! Accompany them with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Marsala, the typical Sicilian sweet wine.

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

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PREPARE THE ALMOND PASTE

  1. First of all, sift the powdered sugar, then mix the sugar with the almond flour in a large bowl.
  2. After that, add the grated zests of half lemon and half orange into the bowl, 3 drops of vanilla extract. Finally, mix all the ingredients with the whites of 3 large eggs lightly beaten.

EGG WHITES

  1. Work the dough until it is compact and hom*ogeneous, then pour it into a pastry bag provided with a large decorating tip.
  2. Place the pastry bag into the refrigerator 20 minutes.

MAKING THE ALMOND COOKIES

  1. Line a drip pan with parchment paper. With the pastry bag, form cookies about 2 inches wide right on the parchment paper, adding half Maraschino Cherry on the top of each cookie.
  2. Then, put the drip pan in the fridge for at least 8 hours (it’s easy to prepare the almond cookies the night before for the following day!).
  3. The resting in the fridge is critical because the cookies don’t sag while cooking.

ALMOND COOKIES INTO THE OVEN!

  1. When the almond cookies are ready to be cooked, set the oven to 350° F and bake the cookies by taking them directly from the fridge. Bake the cookies 10-15 minutes, turning the dripping pan halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown.
  2. After that, operate the broil a few minutes, until the cookies are golden! The almond cookies should be crispy outside and soft inside.
  3. Finally, serve the almond cookies with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Italian Marsala wine.

Nutrition Information

Yield

5

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 72Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 34mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 14gProtein 2g

The writers and publishers of this blog are not nutritionists or registered dietitians.All information presented and written within our blog are intended for informational purposes only. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators.You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.The writers and publishers of this blog are not responsible for adverse reactions, effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any recipes or suggestions herein or hereafter.Under no circ*mstances will this blog or its owners be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on nutritional information given by this site. By using this blog and its content, you agree to these terms.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (2024)

FAQs

Which of the following is a very popular cookie from Italy? ›

Biscotti: Perhaps one of the most famous Italian cookies, biscotti are crispy, twice-baked treats that are perfect for dipping in coffee or wine. Traditionally flavored with almonds and fragrant anise, these long-lasting cookies are a staple in every Italian household.

What are the almond cookies called? ›

They are a common biscuit in many different cuisines and take many forms. Types of almond biscuits include almond macaroons, Italian amaretti, Spanish almendrados, qurabiya (a shortbread biscuit made with almonds), and Turkish acıbadem kurabiyesi. In addition, Turkish şekerpare are often decorated with an almond.

What is an Italian cookie that is dry crunchy and is twice-baked? ›

Biscotti cookies are crispy, twice-baked Italian cookies known for their distinct oblong shape and crunchy texture. The dry, hard texture of the biscotti is perfect for dunking. In Italy, biscotti are often dipped in a dessert wine. Biscotti also pairs well with a cup of coffee, espresso, or a cappuccino.

What are Italian cookies called? ›

Today, I want to share a little bit about Italian cookies called Biscotti. Biscotti, also known as cantuccini or mandelbrot (Mandel bread), are traditional Italian cookies with a long history and rich cultural significance.

What is the number one cookie in Italy? ›

Amaretti, the famous Italian almond cookies are so popular in their homeland that almost every region has their version of the recipe, using different proportions and combinations of the basic ingredients: sweet and bitter almonds, apricot kernels, eggs, and sugar.

What is the number one cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

Where did almond cookies originate? ›

While the history of the cookie can't be definitely traced back to a specific point, it's generally believed they were the creation of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. sometime before 1900. They're now traditionally served for Chinese New Year, an important Chinese holiday that's tied to the Chinese lunar calendar.

What is a Nazareth cookie? ›

The sugar cookie is believed to have originated in the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. German Protestant settlers created a round, crumbly and buttery cookie that came to be known as the Nazareth cookie. Jumbles are the earliest form of sugar cookies.

What are Elvis cookies? ›

The Elvis: Peanut Butter, Banana and Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What kind of cookies are in an Italian cookie tray? ›

Our Classic Italian assortment is a great way to sample of our traditional sweets. This tray includes Cranberry Almond Biscotti, Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds, Chocolate Almond Macaroons and Pignoli Cookies.

Why are my Italian cookies flat? ›

Explore the following reasons why cookies spread too much so you can achieve better results the next time you bake.
  • OVEN IS TOO HOT. ...
  • INGREDIENTS MEASURED INCORRECTLY. ...
  • BAKING SHEET IS TOO HOT. ...
  • BUTTER IS TOO SOFT. ...
  • BAKING SHEET IS OVER-GREASED. ...
  • DOUGH WASN'T CHILLED BEFORE BAKING. ...
  • DOUGH IS OVERMIXED. ...
  • BAKING SHEET WAS OVERCROWDED.

Why did my Italian wedding cookies flatten? ›

If your cookies repeatedly turn out flat, no matter the recipe, chances are your oven is too hot. Here's what's happening. The butter melts super quickly in a too-hot oven before the other ingredients have firmed up into a cookie structure. Therefore, as the butter spreads so does the whole liquidy cookie.

What is the famous biscuit in Italy? ›

Biscotti (/bɪˈskɒti/, Italian: [biˈskɔtti]; lit. 'biscuits') or cantucci ( Italian: [kanˈtuttʃi]) are Italian almond biscuits that originated in the Tuscan city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.

What is the name of small cookies that are soft and airy from Italy? ›

A pignolo ("pignoli" when it's plural) is a traditional Italian cookie. The pine nut-studded cookies are made with egg whites and almond paste, which gives them a nutty flavor and airy texture.

What is Italy cookie choices? ›

Italy Cookie Choices allows you to easily comply with the european cookie law (and Italian too), showing a notice to the user only the very first time he visits your website.

Are Italian rainbow cookies from Italy? ›

Given the homage, diners likely think that the dessert originated in Italy. However, rainbow cookies were actually created in America, although they were inspired by Italian heritage and traditions.

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