Pinolate Pine Nut Cookies

The holiday season is a time for indulging in delicious treats that bring warmth and joy to our homes. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than by baking up a batch of traditional Italian cookies? These Pinolate Pine Nut Cookies are a delightful combination of crunchy pine nuts, aromatic almond extract, and sweet honey. They are a festive addition to any cookie platter, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea on a winter evening.

Pinolate Pine Nut Cookies

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup pine nuts, toasted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp almond extract
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pine nuts on a separate baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the honey, eggs, and almond extract, mixing well after each addition.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

4. Gently fold in the toasted pine nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.

5. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.

6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Once cooled, sift powdered sugar over the cookies for a snowy finish. Enjoy these delightful Pinolate Pine Nut Cookies with a warm cup of tea or package them up in a festive tin to share with friends and family.

Pinolate Pine Nut Cookies are a beloved Italian Christmas tradition that will fill your home with the cozy scent of baking and bring smiles to the faces of all who try them. Share the joy of the season by baking a batch of these delicious treats and creating memories to last a lifetime. Happy baking!