Canestrelli - Traditional Italian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ per serving (1 cookie)
• Fat: 10g total, 5g saturated fat
• Carbohydrates: 5g total, 3g sugars
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the almond flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
6. 6.
   Use a canestrello cookie cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the canestrelli generously with powdered sugar.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure you use finely ground almond flour for the best texture in the cookies.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before creaming it with the powdered sugar to achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter cookie, dust the canestrelli with powdered sugar twice, once when they are still warm and again once they have cooled completely.
• Store the canestrelli in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.

Serving advice

Serve Canestrelli alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or gift box.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Canestrelli on a decorative serving tray and dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting presentation. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a few edible flowers for a touch of color.