Recipe

Mandorlini del Ponte - Almond Bridge Cookies

Delicate Almond Bridge Cookies: A Sweet Italian Delight

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italian cuisine with Mandorlini del Ponte, a traditional almond cookie that originated in Italy. These delicate treats are a perfect combination of crunchy and chewy textures, with a rich almond flavor that will transport you to the streets of Italy.

Dessert› Cookie› Mandorlini del ponte

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

12-15 minutes

Total time

35 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 24 cookies

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free vanilla extract), Dairy-free, Low sodium, Kosher

Allergens

Tree nuts (almonds), Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains egg whites), Nut-free (contains ground almonds)

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large egg whites 3 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat: 7g (1g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 12g (10g sugars)
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds and granulated sugar.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, then add them to the almond mixture.
4.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until a smooth dough forms.
5.
Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small logs, resembling miniature bridges.
6.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown.
8.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
10.
Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve the desired texture in the cookies.
Egg whites — Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before whisking to achieve maximum volume.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of almond extract to intensify the almond taste.
If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve Mandorlini del Ponte with a cup of espresso or a glass of Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine. These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mandorlini del Ponte on a decorative platter and dust them with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Consider adding a few almond slices on top for a visually appealing touch.