Zuccherini di Vernio - Italian Almond Cookies

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. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the egg mixture to the almond mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. 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. 6.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
10. 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.