ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (2024)

Jump to Recipe

The almond cookies are "a must" of the Sicilian culinary tradition. They are prepared with the Almond paste, called "pasta reale" in Sicily (King's paste).

The legend wants that the recipe was created in the XII century in the convent of the "Martorana" in Palermo and that his name is due to his goodness (worthy of a King!).

These delicious cookies are as good as easy to do! Accompany them with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Marsala, the typical Sicilian sweet wine.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (1)
If you like this recipe,pleaseclick here, leave a comment and vote 5 stars!
A simple action to help the growth of this blog. 🙂

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (2)

INGREDIENTS

click on the links and find out my favorites!

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (3)

ORIGIN OF “PASTA DI MANDORLE”

The origin of the Italian almond Paste is pretty ancient.

The most popular tale wants the Pasta di Mandorle created for the first time in the Convent of Martorana in the Sicilian city of Palermo, around the 12th Century, thanks of the founder Eloisa da Martorana.

But, some historians believe that the origin of almond paste can be dated since the 3th Century BC, when the Persian and Indian merchants started to sell the sugar and almonds to the Roman Empire.

We know for sure that since the 5th Century, the Arabs imported in Sicily many of their recipes, including sweets made with spices, dried fruits, and sugar.

The nuns of Martorana probably refined old recipes into what we now call Pasta di Mandorle or Pasta Reale.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (4)

VISIT MY NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

My new youtube channel is finally online: take a look to my video recipes clicking here and give me your opinion, thanks!

TYPICAL SICILIAN PRODUCT WITH ALMOND PASTE

The almond paste is a critical ingredient for several Sicilian sweets and desserts.

The Almond cookies are probably the most simple recipe with Pasta di Mandorle. They are prepared in many ways with pure or flavored almond paste, depending on the part of the island.

For instance, in the region around Etna, the almond cookies are aromatized with hazelnuts. Otherwise, in the county of Bronte, they are flavored with the famous local pistachios.

Another spectacular Sicilian candy is the Frutta Martorana, also invented in the Martorana convent on the occasion of a visit of the local Bishop.

Even the popular Cassata Siciliana is made with sweet ricotta and almond paste, then decorated with candied fruit.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (5)

PREPARE THE ALMOND PASTE

First of all, sift the powdered sugar, then mix the sugar with the almond flour in a large bowl.

After that, add the grated zests of half lemon and half orange into the bowl, 3 drops of vanilla extract.

Finally, mix all the ingredients with the whites of 3 large eggs lightly beaten.

Work the dough until it is compact and hom*ogeneous, then pour it into a pastry bag provided with a large decorating tip.

Place the pastry bag into the refrigerator 20 minutes.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (6)

MAKING THE ALMOND COOKIES

Line a baking pan with parchment paper. With the pastry bag, form cookies about 2 inches wide right on the parchment paper, adding half Maraschino Cherry on the top of each cookie.

Then, store the drip pan in the fridge for at least 8 hours (it’s easy to prepare the almond cookies the night before for the following day!).

The resting in the fridge is critical because the cookies don’t sag while cooking.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (7)

BAKING AND SERVING

When the almond cookies are ready to be cooked, set the oven to 350° F and bake the cookies by taking them directly from the fridge.

Bake the cookies 10-15 minutes, turning the dripping pan halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown. Finally, operate the broil a few minutes, until the cookies are golden! The almond cookies should be crispy outside and soft inside.

Serve the almond cookies with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Italian dessert wine.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (8)

CHOCOLATE FUDGE MUFFIN with blueberries whipped cream

PRINTABLE VERSION

Yield: 5

TRADITIONAL SICILIAN ALMOND COOKIES

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (10)

The almond cookies are "a must" of the Sicilian culinary tradition. They are prepared with the Almond paste, called "pasta reale" in Sicily (King's paste).

The legend wants that the recipe was created in the XII century in the convent of the "Martorana" in Palermo and that his name is due to his goodness (worthy of a King!).

These delicious cookies are as good as easy to do! Accompany them with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Marsala, the typical Sicilian sweet wine.

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

VISIT MY NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

My new youtube channel is finally online: take a look to my video recipes clicking here and give me your opinion, thanks!

PREPARE THE ALMOND PASTE

  1. First of all, sift the powdered sugar, then mix the sugar with the almond flour in a large bowl.
  2. After that, add the grated zests of half lemon and half orange into the bowl, 3 drops of vanilla extract. Finally, mix all the ingredients with the whites of 3 large eggs lightly beaten.

EGG WHITES

  1. Work the dough until it is compact and hom*ogeneous, then pour it into a pastry bag provided with a large decorating tip.
  2. Place the pastry bag into the refrigerator 20 minutes.

MAKING THE ALMOND COOKIES

  1. Line a drip pan with parchment paper. With the pastry bag, form cookies about 2 inches wide right on the parchment paper, adding half Maraschino Cherry on the top of each cookie.
  2. Then, put the drip pan in the fridge for at least 8 hours (it’s easy to prepare the almond cookies the night before for the following day!).
  3. The resting in the fridge is critical because the cookies don’t sag while cooking.

ALMOND COOKIES INTO THE OVEN!

  1. When the almond cookies are ready to be cooked, set the oven to 350° F and bake the cookies by taking them directly from the fridge. Bake the cookies 10-15 minutes, turning the dripping pan halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown.
  2. After that, operate the broil a few minutes, until the cookies are golden! The almond cookies should be crispy outside and soft inside.
  3. Finally, serve the almond cookies with a good tea, coffee or a glass of Italian Marsala wine.

Nutrition Information

Yield

5

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 72Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 34mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 14gProtein 2g

The writers and publishers of this blog are not nutritionists or registered dietitians.All information presented and written within our blog are intended for informational purposes only. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators.You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.The writers and publishers of this blog are not responsible for adverse reactions, effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any recipes or suggestions herein or hereafter.Under no circ*mstances will this blog or its owners be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on nutritional information given by this site. By using this blog and its content, you agree to these terms.

ALMOND COOKIES traditional Sicilian recipe with Maraschino cherries (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular cookie in Italy? ›

The Amaretti cookie is perhaps the most famous of all Italian cookies. The original Italian cookie recipe is believed to have been created in the 18th century. It's said they were a secret recipe which a newly married couple used to make cookies for the local bishop.

What are the almond cookies called? ›

They are a common biscuit in many different cuisines and take many forms. Types of almond biscuits include almond macaroons, Italian amaretti, Spanish almendrados, Armenian nshablits, qurabiya (a shortbread biscuit made with almonds), and Turkish acıbadem kurabiyesi.

What country eats almond flavored biscotti cookies called Bones of the Dead? ›

Bones of the Dead Cookies-Ossa di Morto are a typical Italian cookie that is hard and crunchy and full of wonderful spices. This is a cookie that varies from region to region to in Italy and is eaten to remember loved ones that have left us on All Soul's Day.

How many calories are in an Italian almond cookie? ›

1 serving of italian almond cookies (Forreli) contains 65 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 79% carbs, 15% fat, and 7% protein. This has a relatively high calorie density, with 433 Calories per 100g.

What is the number one dessert in Italy? ›

1. Tiramisu. This iconic sweet treat is easy to make at home with our simple recipe. Make it ahead of time to allow the flavours to mingle and intensify while you're munching on a crunchy bruschetta starter.

What is the number one selling cookie in the world? ›

The biggest selling cookie in the world is the Oreo, with total sales in excess of 500 billion since its introduction in the US in 1912. Now a favourite in markets across the world, if every Oreo ever made were to be stacked on top of each other the pile would reach to the Moon and back more than six times.

What do Italians call American biscotti? ›

Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.

What are the oldest cookies in the world? ›

It is known to be one of the oldest cookies and is probably to have developed from the ancient Roman crustulum. Pizzelle are also known as ferratelle, nevole or catarrette in some parts of Abruzzo, as ferratelle in Lazio, and as ferratelle, cancelle, or pizzelle in Molise.

Why do Chinese restaurants have almond cookies? ›

Almond cookies are a traditional Chinese treat, and they symbolize prosperity and good luck, two things we could all use this year.

What is an italian almond biscuit called? ›

🍪 Cantucci are almond biscuits from Tuscany and they can be made even last minute, without any special tools. Great as well if you are looking for a last minute present! The recipe is so simple for an amazing result. They are usually served at the end of a meal with coffee or a sweet wine such as vin santo or marsala.

What is the difference between amaretti and Ricciarelli? ›

Ricciarelli are Tuscan cookies related to amaretti; they're made with an egg-white based dough that lends them a light, fluffy character. Texture-wise, these cookies are softer and chewier than most amaretti. Ricciarelli cookies were born from a cultural exchange between the Middle East and Italy after the Crusades.

What does the name Ricciarelli mean? ›

They acquired the name ricciarelli in the 1800s. An alternative etymology, from the Treccani Italian encyclopaedia, indicates that the word ricciarèlli derives from rìccio, meaning 'hedgehog', perhaps for the original form. Particularly when coated with sliced almonds, the biscuit looks like a hedgehog.

What cookie originated in Italy? ›

Pizzelle. As previously mentioned, the pizzelle is one of the world's oldest cookies, and it's still one of Italy's favorites. The light, crisp cookie is made with a batter of flour, eggs, sugar, butter and oil and flavored with anise, vanilla or lemon zest.

What cookies do Italians eat for breakfast? ›

Sicilian S cookies, also known as biscotti squisiti originating from Ragusa, Sicily, are crisp and lightly lemon scented. These are the perfect cookies for dunking in your milk or coffee! If you grew up in an Italian household you no doubt have memories of dunking S cookies in your milk…

Which Italian cookie literally means twice baked? ›

The word biscotto, used in modern Italian to refer to a biscuit (or cookie) of any type, originates from the Medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning 'twice-cooked'. It characterised oven-baked goods that were baked twice, so they became very dry and could be stored for long periods of time.

What baked good is Italy known for? ›

Traditional Italian desserts: Most famous Italian pastries
  • Tiramisu.
  • Bonet.
  • Torta Barozzi.
  • Sbrisolona.
  • Zuppa Inglese.
  • Baba.
  • Sfogliatelle.
  • Pasticciotto leccese.
Jun 20, 2024

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6617

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.