The holidays bring joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious treats to share with loved ones. One delightful Spanish Christmas recipe that perfectly captures the spirit of the season is Panellets Almond and Pine Nut Cookies. These little gems are traditionally made in Catalonia to celebrate All Saints’ Day and are a beloved festive treat across Spain. The combination of almonds, pine nuts, and a hint of citrus zest creates a delightful texture and flavor that is sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Let’s dive into the process of making these delectable cookies.
Title: Panellets Almond and Pine Nut Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups ground almonds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 egg yolks
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– Additional granulated sugar for coating
– Optional: a touch of milk for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
2. Add the egg yolks to the bowl and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of milk to help bind it.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Roll each ball in the pine nuts, ensuring they stick to the surface of the dough.
5. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently press down on the cookies to flatten them slightly.
6. If you’d like to add an extra touch of sweetness, dip a fork in water and then gently press it against each cookie to create a crisscross pattern. This step is optional but adds a beautiful decorative element to your Panellets.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
8. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in additional granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
9. Transfer the Panellets Almond and Pine Nut Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful holiday treat or packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
These cookies are not only a delicious addition to your Christmas baking repertoire but also a wonderful way to connect with Spanish holiday traditions. The nutty crunch of the pine nuts combined with the subtle sweetness of the almond paste creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and enjoy the process of baking these Panellets to create treasured memories this holiday season.
