Description
These Grain-Free Pistachio Italian Wedding Cookies are a delightful gluten-free and vegetarian dessert option, crafted with finely ground almond flour, pistachios, and coconut flour. Soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of nutty flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup finely ground blanched almond flour
- 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, ground pistachios, coconut flour, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract into the butter mixture to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14–16 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the pan. While still warm, gently roll or dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a classic Italian wedding cookie finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once completely cooled, garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired, then serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before grinding to bring out their nutty aroma.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.