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Castagnelle - Italian Almond Cookies

Crunchy cookies made with ground almonds, orange zest, spices and fresh coffee.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 36 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of roasted almonds
  • 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh citrus zest
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup of freshly brewed coffee

Instructions

  • If you cannot find roasted almond, place 1 1/2 cups of almonds onto a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for about 12 minutes in a 350° oven
  • Let the almonds cool for a few minutes and then finely chop them or pulse in a food processor until mostly fine in texture 
  • Transfer the almonds into a bowl along with 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour, 1/4 cup of natural unsweetened cocoa powder, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of fresh citrus zest, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
  • Mix to combine and then begin adding hot coffee a little at a time until the cookie dough comes together  
  • Knead the dough by hand in the bowl until it comes together into a firm dough 
  • Divide the dough into roughly 8 portions and roll the portion into logs that are approximately 1 inch thick
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into cookies and transfer them onto parchment lined baking sheets 
  • Bake in a 350° oven for 14-16 minutes or until they feel set and appear dry
  • Dust with confectioners sugar and enjoy!