Panellets (Catalan All-Saints Cookies)

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 2

Panellets - The Traditional Catalan Cookies for All-Saints Day

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

30 min

Cook

12 min

Ready In

42 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

10-12

Calories

326

Sugar

45g

Fat

15g

Panellets are traditional cookies from Catalonia, Spain, that are typically prepared for All-Saints Day. This fall holiday is a time of remembrance, when people share food and drink with friends and family. Panellets are usually served alongside other traditional dishes such as roasted chestnuts or sweet potatoes. Originally, Panellets were made with marzipan and pine nuts, but over time, the recipe evolved to include mashed potatoes, almonds and other ingredients. Each family has their own recipe for these tasty cookies. Popular shapes include pine cones, pumpkins, and bones, although any shape will do. Panellets are easy to make, fun to decorate, and a delicious addition to your All-Saints Day celebrations.

Instructions

1.	Boil the cubed potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them.
2.	In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch until well blended.
3.	Add the beaten egg yolks to the mixture and continue mixing until a dough forms.
4.	Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5.	Shape the dough into small balls or other desired shapes, then roll each one in the beaten egg whites and finally coat generously with the pine nuts.
6.	Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned.
7.	Serve and enjoy!

PROS

Panellets are a delicious dessert typical of Catalan cuisine, perfect for celebrating All-Saints Day.
They are easy to make and require few ingredients, which are all readily available in most supermarkets.
With their crunchy exterior and soft interior, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

CONS

One downside to this recipe is that it requires a lot of sugar which can be harmful if consumed in excess.
Also, the cookies are likely to be high in calories and fat due to the ground almonds and pine nuts.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although Panellets are not considered a healthy snack, they do contain some health benefits. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, protein and healthy fats that can lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Potatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which benefit digestion and play a role in reducing inflammation.

	1/3 pound potatoes , cubed
	3 1/2 cups ground almonds
	2 1/2 cups white sugar
	1 tablespoon lemon zest
	3/4 cup pine nuts
	2 egg yolks , beaten
	3/4 cup cornstarch
	2 egg whites , beaten