Ricciarelli di Siena

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) ground almonds 2 cups (200g) ground almonds
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 2 teaspoons orange zest 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 egg whites 2 egg whites
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.03g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, orange zest, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Add the vanilla extract and continue whisking until soft peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until well combined.
5. 5.
   Using your hands, shape the dough into small oval-shaped cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar 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.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of almond extract to the dough.
• To achieve a more pronounced citrus flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can slightly underbake the cookies.
• Store the Ricciarelli di Siena in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

Serving advice

Serve these delightful Ricciarelli di Siena cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ricciarelli di Siena on a beautiful platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of orange zest for an elegant touch.