Recipe

Zuccherini di Vernio - Italian Almond Cookies

Delizioso Dolce: Irresistible Italian Almond Cookies

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with Zuccherini di Vernio, a traditional Italian almond cookie. These sweet treats are a beloved part of Italian cuisine, known for their delicate texture and nutty aroma.

Dessert› Cookie› Zuccherini di Vernio

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

12-15 minutes

Total time

32-35 minutes

Yields

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free ground almonds), Dairy-free, Low sodium, Kosher

Allergens

Almonds, Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains eggs), Nut-free

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons lemon zest 2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 large eggs 2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.02g

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, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
4.
Gradually add the egg mixture to the almond mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5.
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
7.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
9.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
10.
Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve the desired texture of the cookies.
Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Zuccherini di Vernio alongside 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 ending to a meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Zuccherini di Vernio on a decorative platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. The white sugar coating adds an elegant touch to the cookies and enhances their visual appeal.