Panellets - Traditional Spanish Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) ground almonds 2 cups (200g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (100g) pine nuts, for decoration 1 cup (100g) pine nuts, for decoration
• 1 cup (80g) coconut flakes, for decoration 1 cup (80g) coconut flakes, for decoration
• 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder, for decoration 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder, for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, and grated orange zest.
2. 2.
   Add one beaten egg to the mixture and mix well until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls.
6. 6.
   Dip each ball into the remaining beaten egg, then roll them in either pine nuts, coconut flakes, or cocoa powder for decoration.
7. 7.
   Place the decorated balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the Panellets cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the best texture. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
• Orange zest — Use a fine grater to zest the orange, avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest adds a lovely citrus aroma to the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to intensify the almond flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can dust the Panellets with powdered sugar after baking.
• To ensure the pine nuts stick well to the dough, lightly press them onto the cookies before baking.
• Experiment with different coatings such as crushed pistachios or colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Store the Panellets in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Panellets as a delightful sweet treat during festive occasions or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely gift when presented in a decorative box or tin.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Panellets on a serving platter, showcasing their different coatings. You can also sprinkle some extra coconut flakes or cocoa powder on the platter for an appealing presentation.