Sienese Delight Almond Cookies
Indulge in the exquisite taste of Sienese Delight Almond Cookies, a tradition from Siena that embodies the essence of Italian confectionery. These luxurious almond cookies are lovingly crafted with a delightful blend of ground almonds, citrus zest, and aromatic almond extract, providing a sweet, nutty experience that melts in your mouth. Similar in texture to soft amaretti, these cookies are slightly chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior. Perfect for festive occasions, they encapsulate a beautifully nutty flavor that will surely elevate your dessert table and leave your guests craving more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground almonds
3 cups (Finely ground)
Caster sugar
1 1/3 cups (Granulated for easy dissolving)
Icing sugar
1 1/4 cups (Powdered for dusting and mixing)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Orange or lemon zest
1 (Freshly zested for flavor)
Egg whites
2 (Whipped to soft peaks)
Almond extract
2 teaspoons (For enhancing almond flavor)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (140°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground almonds, caster sugar, 2/3 of the icing sugar, baking powder, and the zest of either an orange or lemon. Ensure everything is evenly mixed to enhance the flavor profile.
3
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach soft peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the dry almond mixture. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; you want to maintain some of that airy texture.
4
Using a large spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients until they form a wet, sticky dough. Then, stir in the almond extract for a burst of flavor.
5
With your hands, shape the dough into oval or torpedo shapes, approximately 2.5 inches long. Roll each piece in the remaining icing sugar until fully coated, and flatten them slightly to ensure even baking.
6
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is adequate space between each as they will spread slightly during baking. Sift additional icing sugar over the tops for a charming touch.
7
Allow the cookies to rest at room temperature for about 2-3 hours—this helps them develop their signature texture before baking.
8
Once rested, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch. Remember to turn the baking tray halfway through if your oven has hot spots to avoid overcooking.
9
After baking, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container for storage. They will keep well and maintain their delightful texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sienese Delight Almond Cookies?
Sienese Delight Almond Cookies are a traditional Italian confection from Siena made primarily with ground almonds, citrus zest, and egg whites.
What is the texture of these almond cookies?
These cookies have a soft and chewy interior similar to amaretti, with a lightly crisp exterior.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 3 cups of ground almonds, caster sugar, icing sugar, baking powder, citrus zest, 2 egg whites, and almond extract.
How should I prepare the egg whites?
The egg whites should be beaten in a clean bowl until they reach soft peaks before being folded into the almond mixture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 275°F (140°C).
How long do the cookies need to rest before baking?
The cookies should rest at room temperature for approximately 2 to 3 hours to develop their signature texture.
Why is the resting period necessary?
Resting the dough at room temperature helps the cookies achieve the correct structure and texture before they are exposed to heat.
What type of citrus zest can be used?
You can use the fresh zest of either one orange or one lemon.
How long do the cookies bake for?
They bake for about 30 minutes or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
What shape should these cookies be?
The dough should be shaped into ovals or torpedo shapes, roughly 2.5 inches in length.
What is the role of icing sugar in the dough preparation?
A portion of the icing sugar (2/3) is mixed into the dry ingredients, while the remainder is used for rolling the dough pieces and dusting the tops.
Should the cookies be flattened before baking?
Yes, after rolling the dough in icing sugar, you should flatten them slightly to ensure even baking.
How should the cookies be stored?
Once completely cooled on a wire rack, the cookies should be stored in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
What should I do if my oven has hot spots?
It is recommended to turn the baking tray halfway through the baking time to ensure the cookies cook evenly.
Is the dough supposed to be sticky?
Yes, the combination of ground almonds and whipped egg whites will form a wet and sticky dough.
What is the flavor profile of these cookies?
These cookies have a sweet, intensely nutty almond flavor enhanced by aromatic citrus zest.
Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Based on the ingredients (almonds, sugar, egg whites, extract), these cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
What amount of ground almonds is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of finely ground almonds.
How much almond extract should be added?
Add 2 teaspoons of almond extract to the dough for a burst of flavor.
What type of sugar is mixed with the dry ingredients?
The dry mixture uses 1 1/3 cups of caster sugar and a portion of icing sugar.
Should I line the baking tray?
Yes, you should line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
What is the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?
One teaspoon of baking powder is used as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise slightly.
How do you incorporate the egg whites into the dry ingredients?
The egg whites should be gently folded into the dry mixture to maintain the airy texture without deflating them.
Do these cookies spread during baking?
Yes, they will spread slightly, so it is important to leave adequate space between them on the baking sheet.
When should the almond extract be added?
The almond extract should be stirred into the wet, sticky dough after the egg whites have been folded in.
Is there a specific way to finish the tops of the cookies?
Sifting additional icing sugar over the tops before baking gives them a charming, traditional finish.
Are these cookies good for gifts?
Yes, their luxurious flavor and traditional Italian origin make them perfect for festive occasions and gifting.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?
The recipe specifies caster sugar because it dissolves more easily into the almond mixture, but fine granulated sugar can work as a substitute.
How many egg whites are needed for 3 cups of almonds?
The recipe uses 2 egg whites for every 3 cups of ground almonds.
How should I cool the cookies?
The cookies should be allowed to cool completely on a wire rack before storage.