Sweet and Nutty Almond Wine Cookies Recipe
Greetings friends! Welcome to my kitchen where every day is a celebration of good food, good wine and good company. Today, I am thrilled to share with you a delightfully sweet recipe that will transport your taste buds to Italy – Almond Wine Cookies!
I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago during my visit to the beautiful region of Tuscany. As I was strolling through its charming streets one sunny afternoon, the aroma of freshly baked cookies caught my attention. I looked towards the source of the delicious scent and my eyes laid on a small pastry shop. Curiosity took over me and I walked inside. The pastries in that shop looked like colorful jewels displayed in a velvet box. And then, I saw them: almond wine cookies. I ordered one, took a bite and it was pure happiness in my mouth.
Since then, almond wine cookies became a staple whenever I host dinner parties or when I want to treat myself to something special. These cookies are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, with notes of lemon zest and dry white wine that elevate their flavor. They taste like the essence of Italian sunshine in every bite.
I promise you that this recipe is super easy to make and requires only simple ingredients that can be found in your pantry. So come along with me on this journey and let’s make these delicious Almond Wine Cookies together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear readers, I must warn you that once you try these almond wine cookies, you won’t be able to stop yourself from indulging in their sweet and aromatic flavors. As a lover of all things baked, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Firstly, the combination of almond paste and dry white wine gives these cookies an airy, delicate texture that melts in your mouth upon first bite. The hint of lemon zest adds a touch of freshness that perfectly compliments the rich tones of the almond wine.
Secondly, these cookies are incredibly versatile! They can be served alongside after-dinner coffee or dessert wine, making them perfect for special occasions or even as a gift. The subtle undertones of anise extract add a beautiful fragrant kick to the cookies, which pairs well with red wine or a cherry dessert wine like Ciambelle al Vino.
Lastly, these almond wine cookies are easily adaptable to suit personal preferences. The recipe already accounts for gluten-free options by using Italian almond flour and substituting ingredients like baking powder with oil. For those watching their calorie intake, adding dark chocolate peanut butter chips or apricot jam to the cookies makes them a healthier treat without compromising on flavor.
In conclusion, I urge everyone to try this recipe at least once in their lives. Experience the depth and complexity of Italian flavors without having to leave the comfort of your own kitchen. Trust me; these almond wine cookies will have everyone craving more!
Ingredient List
The ingredients needed for these almond wine cookies are fairly simple and straightforward. All the items can be easily sourced in any grocery store or supermarket.
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All-purpose flour: The base for any cookie recipe is the flour. For this recipe, we will need 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
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White sugar: Sugar provides sweetness, as well as color and texture to these cookies. We will use 1 ¼ cup of white sugar.
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Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to cookies. We will need 1 cup of unsalted butter that has been softened at room temperature.
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Egg yolks: Egg yolks are essential to bind the ingredients together. This recipe requires 2 egg yolks.
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Almond paste: Almond paste gives a rich nutty flavor to the cookies, and it keeps them moist and chewy. We need 1 ½ cups of almond paste for this recipe.
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Dry white wine: The addition of dry white wine adds depth of flavor to these cookies. Use good quality dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. We need 2 cups of white wine.
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Baking powder: Baking powder helps the cookie rise well giving a soft chew texture to them. Add 1 tsp baking powder.
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Anise extract: Anise extract provides a licorice flavor to these cookies that perfectly complements the almond and lemon zest flavors. Just a few drops (¼ tsp) are enough.
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Lemon zest: Lemon zest reveals an aromatic, bright flavor to any baked item without forceful sourness. Use about 2 tsp of grated lemon zest in this recipe.
Optional Ingredients
Some ingredients can be added to the recipe for variation, so you can adjust according to your taste preference.
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Almond wine: Substitute white wine with almond wine to enhance the almond flavor. Use almond wine of at least half the quantity of white wine.
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Lemon almond wine: Add a twist to the recipe by mixing lemon almond wine with white wine in 1:1 ratio.
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Dairy-free options: In case you’re following a dairy-free diet or have a preference for keeping it light, you may use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
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Gluten-free options: If you prefer gluten-free flour, choose gluten-free flour instead of regular all-purpose flour.
Remember that experimenting with these optional ingredients may change the outcome of your cookies. However, for best results, stick to the original recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the most exciting part of this article – making these delightful Almond Wine Cookies!
Here are the steps for the recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
Mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cups of granulated sugar, and 2 tsp of baking powder together in a bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature), ½ cup of almond paste, 2 egg yolks, and 1 tbsp of grated lemon zest. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer and mix everything until it’s smooth.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture
Slowly add the combined dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined. Then add in ¼ cup of dry white wine and mix until you have a soft dough.
Step 5: Shape the cookies
Scoop out even sized pieces of dough (about an inch in diameter), roll each piece into a ball, then slightly flatten them. Place them on your lined baking sheet with about 1-2 inches between them.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your almond wine cookies for around 14-16 minutes or until they’re lightly golden brown around the edges.
Step 7 : Cool and Serve
Let your cookies cool on a wire rack for five minutes before serving. You can serve them just as they are or with a sprinkle of icing sugar or some extra grated lemon zest on top.
Enjoy your homemade almond wine cookies!
Substitutions and Variations
Oh the joys of substitutions and variations in recipe ingredients! A true cook will always find new and exciting ways to create their favorite dishes with a different spin.
For this almond wine cookies recipe, there are several swaps you can make to cater to your personal preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter for oil (1/3 cup) or vegan margarine. A gluten-free version may include the use of almond flour, a perfect match for these almond wine cookies’ flavor profile.
If you want to experiment with different kinds of wine, then go for it. Dry white wine is used in the original recipe, but other types of wines like dessert wine, red wine, or Italian wine may provide a unique flavor twist. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert sommelier to figure which kind to use.
When it comes to extracts like anise extract (1/4 tsp), you may substitute it with other flavors like vanilla extract or orange zest if preferred. Chocolate peanut butter fans can also add chocolate chips instead of almonds for a sweet indulgence.
For those looking to put a cherry on top of tradition, ciambelle al Vino is an Italian variation of this cookie that features the deliciously fragrant cherry. This biscotti-like dessert includes dried fruit soaked in red wine – very Mediterranean indeed!
In summary, substitutions and variations allow room for creativity and differentiation from classic recipes. So let’s grab our aprons and get into the kitchen- adventure awaits us!
Serving and Pairing
These almond wine cookies boast a subtle sweetness that perfectly pairs with a nice glass of dry white wine or dessert wine, making them an excellent choice for an after-dinner treat. The almond flavor and notes of lemon zest in the cookies complement the floral aroma of the wine, creating a delightful balance of flavors in your mouth.
You can also serve these wine biscuits with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to add a touch of whimsy to your afternoon snack. The cookies are soft and slightly chewy, making them perfect for dipping. Try dipping them in your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate comfort treat.
If you’re feeling fancy, these cookies are also ideal for serving at dinner parties or festive gatherings as Italian cookies almond recipe biscuits. Present them on a dessert platter alongside biscotti, amaretti, red wine, or even sicilian almond bars to create an unforgettable spread of sweet treats.
For a fun twist on traditional almond wine cookies, you can also try adding ingredients like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or apricot to create unique flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.
Whether served on their own or alongside your favorite drink or dessert, these delightful cookies will be sure to satisfy any sweet craving while providing the perfect finishing touch to any meal or event.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about these almond wine cookies is how they keep well over time, making them ideal for serving at any occasion. To save yourself time on the day of your gathering, you can easily make these cookies ahead of time and store them properly.
To make-ahead: Start by baking the cookies according to the recipe instructions. Allow them to cool completely before storing. Once they are room temperature, you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in your pantry or cupboard for up to one week.
To reheat: If you want to serve your cookies warm, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the cookies on a baking sheet in the oven for 3-4 minutes until they are warm and fragrant.
To store: If you have leftovers or you want to save some cookies for later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them completely before serving.
These almond wine cookies are perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a lovely afternoon treat. They also make great gifts, so try wrapping up a batch with some ribbon and presenting them to loved ones.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results every time you bake these delicious almond wine cookies, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s essential to use the recommended amount of wine in the recipe, which is 1/2 cup of dry white wine. This quantity has been carefully measured to ensure a balanced flavor and texture in the cookies. Adding more or less wine can significantly alter the taste and consistency of the dough.
Secondly, make sure your butter is at room temperature before using it in the recipe. If your butter is too cold, it will not mix well with the sugar, resulting in an uneven texture. On the other hand, if it’s too soft, it will melt quickly, making the dough sticky and challenging to handle.
Next, be mindful of how you measure the flour. Using too much or too little can impact the final result. For best results, we recommend using a kitchen scale to measure precisely two cups of all-purpose flour.
When adding lemon zest to the dough, you’ll want to be careful not to add any pith; it has a bitter flavor and can cause an unfavorable aftertaste. Use a microplane grater to zest just the yellow part of the lemon skin.
It’s crucial not to overwork the dough as you mix in the flour mixture. Overmixing can cause gluten development, resulting in tough cookies rather than tender and flaky ones. Mix just until everything comes together into a cohesive dough.
Lastly, when shaping the dough into cookies or ciambelle al vino (the Italian ring-shaped version), wet your hands lightly with water to prevent them from sticking to your palms. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
By following these tips for perfect results, you’ll end up with delicious almond wine cookies every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, almond wine cookies are an exceptional Italian dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The recipe is simple and can easily be customized to suit personal preferences. With its perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming your taste buds. I highly recommend trying this recipe for an authentic Italian treat that will have you feeling as though you are sitting in a cozy café in Italy. Don’t forget to pair them with a glass of dry white wine or even a dessert wine for a perfect ending to any meal or as a lovely snack. So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch today and delight your loved ones with homemade Almond Wine Cookies!
Almond Wine Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon anise extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- With electric mixer cream butter and sugar until light. Add egg yolks and anise extract. Mix until blended.
- On low, add flour and wine alternately and mix well. Mix in chopped almonds to form a soft dough.
- Using a teaspoon, drop dough into slivered almonds and roll to coat.
- Place on a cookie sheet, leaving 2 inch space between. Press slightly to flatten cookies.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and place cookies on rack to cool.
- Store in air tight container.