Cookies with marzipan and pistachios

Marzipan and Pistachio Cookies

Making marzipan and pistachio cookies is a culinary experience that will enrich both your palate and your soul. These cookies are not just a treat; they are also a wonderful way to add a touch of magic to any occasion. With a crunchy texture and a delicate filling, these cookies are sure to become your favorites. Let’s get started!

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 75 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved in lemon juice)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Grated zest of one orange

For the filling:
- 250 g marzipan
- 50 g raw, ground pistachios
- 2 egg whites

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, mix at medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This process will take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest. Mix well, then add the baking soda dissolved in lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

2. Incorporating the flour:
Gradually start incorporating the flour. It’s important to add the flour a little at a time, mixing constantly, until you get a non-sticky dough. If you find the dough is still sticky, feel free to add a tablespoon of flour, mixing until smooth.

3. Chilling the dough:
Once the dough is well prepared, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is essential to allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape later.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the marzipan with the egg whites and ground pistachios. Knead well until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. This filling will add a rich flavor and delightful texture to your cookies.

5. Forming the roll:
After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thick sheet about 3 mm. Evenly spread the marzipan filling over the rolled-out dough.

6. Rolling:
Carefully roll the dough, starting from one side, until you have a tight roll. Ensure that the filling stays well enclosed inside. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate it from evening until morning. This step will help firm up the roll, making it easy to slice.

7. Slicing and baking:
The next day, preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Remove the roll from the refrigerator and slice it into pieces about 1 cm thick. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
Bake the cookies for 30 minutes or until they turn golden. It’s important to keep an eye on them, as baking time may vary depending on the oven.

8. Cooling:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain their crunchy texture.

Practical tips for perfect results

- Ingredient temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the mixture.
- Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best results. Type 000 flour is ideal for cookies.
- Marzipan: If you don’t have access to marzipan, you can use almond paste, but the flavor will be different.
- Pistachios: If you prefer, you can replace pistachios with ground almonds or walnuts. Each variation will bring a unique note to the cookies.
- Serving: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Nutritional benefits

These cookies are a good source of energy, thanks to their nut and sugar content. Pistachios are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a great snack choice. Additionally, oranges provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use the leftover egg whites for other recipes?
Yes, egg whites can be used to make meringues, chocolate mousse, or even omelets.

2. Can the cookies be frozen?
Yes, after they have completely cooled, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegan version?
You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a vegan egg substitute, such as banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water.

Possible variations

To add a personal touch to the recipe, you can experiment with different flavors or ingredients. For example, adding cocoa powder to the dough will transform the cookies into a chocolate delicacy. Alternatively, you can try replacing pistachios with roasted hazelnuts or pecans for a different taste.

These marzipan and pistachio cookies are not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create special moments with loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cookies will bring a smile to anyone's face. So put on your apron and let’s get to work!