Sicilian Almond Pastries

Sicilian almond pastries, also known as “almond cookies” or “royal paste”, are a typical Sicilian dessert that reflects the island’s love for almonds.

Ingredients

• 200 g of peeled almonds
• 200 g of powdered sugar
• 1 egg white
• A few drops of bitter almond essence (optional)
• Castor sugar as needed (for rolling the cookies)
• Candied cherries or other candied fruit for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. First of all, finely chop the almonds in a food processor until they turn into flour. Proceed patiently to avoid overheating the almonds, which could release too much oil.
2. Transfer the almond flour to a bowl and add the powdered sugar. Mix to combine them well.
3. Add the egg white and, if you wish, a few drops of bitter almond essence to enhance the flavor. The essence is very strong so just a few drops are enough.
4. Knead with your hands until you get a homogeneous and fairly firm dough. If it is too soft, you can add a little powdered sugar.
5. Form small balls with the mixture about 2-3 cm in diameter and roll them in the castor sugar until completely covered.
6. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
7. If you want, you can add a piece of candied cherry or other candied fruit on each cookie before baking.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 160° C for about 10-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. The center should remain soft.
9. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Curiosity

These little sweets have ancient origins and are linked to the Arab culture, which introduced the cultivation of almonds to Sicily. They are perfect to serve at the end of a meal or to enjoy with a good coffee. In Sicily, they are also a classic at parties and special occasions. In some variations of the recipe, you might also find the addition of a little jam or chopped pistachios to create variations on the theme.