Ricciarelli (Sienese Christmas Cookies)

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 2
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Ricciarelli (Sienese Christmas Cookies)
in Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

45 min

Level

Easy

Rating

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Ingredients

2 large egg whites
6 ounces ground almonds ( Almond Flour or Meal )
1 tablespoon plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups icing sugar ( Powdered Sugar )
1 teaspoon almond extract
brandy or Amaretto
1/2 oranges , zest of or 1 lemon , zest of
1 tablespoon candied orange or 1 tablespoon lemon peel
12 ounces of good dark chocolate

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
20
Calories
190
Sugar
17g
Fat
9g
Ricciarelli are traditional Italian Christmas cookies hailing from the city of Siena. These almond-flavored cookies are shaped like little ovals and dusted with powdered sugar, reminiscent of snow-covered hills in winter. Ricciarelli are soft and chewy in the center with a crisp exterior and a distinctive marzipan-like flavor. The cookies were originally created in the 14th century to celebrate the marriage of Ricciardetto della Gherardesca to a noblewoman of Siena. Try this recipe for a taste of Italian history and holiday spirit.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3.In a separate bowl, mix together the ground almonds, plain flour, baking powder, and icing sugar.
4.Add the almond extract, candied orange or lemon peel, orange or lemon zest, and a splash of brandy or Amaretto to the dry ingredients.
5.Fold the egg whites into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6.Form the dough into small, oval shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.

PROS

These cookies are gluten-free and made with healthy ingredients like almond flour and fresh citrus zest.
Perfect for a holiday treat or as a gift for friends and family.

CONS

Since the cookies are made with almond flour, they are denser than traditional cookies and are not as chewy or crisp.
They are also more fragile and can crumble easily.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber and can help lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Citrus zest is also a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

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