Brutti ma buoni - Italian Hazelnut Meringue Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) ground hazelnuts 2 cups (240g) ground hazelnuts
• 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1/2 cup (60g) toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts and granulated sugar.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
4. 4.
   Gently fold the egg whites into the hazelnut mixture, followed by the vanilla extract and salt.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts over the cookies, pressing them lightly into the batter.
7. 7.
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and set.
8. 8.
   Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hazelnuts — Toasting the hazelnuts before grinding them enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool before grinding.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before whisking them to achieve maximum volume.
• Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the egg whites into the hazelnut mixture to maintain the airiness of the batter.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
• Experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a variation in flavor.
• Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve these Brutti ma buoni cookies as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or gift box.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative serving tray or place them in colorful cupcake liners for an appealing presentation. Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top for an elegant touch.