Papassini - Italian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the melted butter into the egg mixture and stir until incorporated.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
8. 8.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the Papassini with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground for a smoother texture in the cookies.
• Lemon and orange zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the citrus fruits, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Store the Papassini in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to a week.
• Customize the cookies by adding a sprinkle of chopped almonds or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
• Serve the Papassini alongside a glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine, for a perfect pairing.

Serving advice

Serve the Papassini as a delightful treat during afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to an Italian-inspired meal. Arrange them on a platter and dust them with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, place the Papassini on a decorative serving tray or a vintage cookie tin. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for an artistic touch.