Best Almond & Pistachio Sesame Cookies

Almond & Pistachio Sesame Cookies are a sophisticated cookies that blends the nutty richness of almonds, the crunch of pistachios, and the toasty aroma of sesame seeds. Perfect as holiday treats, these cookies are both visually stunning and deliciously indulgent. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delightful confections at home.

Ingredients

To craft these cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 500g almond flour
• 250g sugar
• 1 teaspoon soft butter
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (add more if needed to achieve a pliable dough)
• 1 egg white (for brushing)
• 100g white sesame seeds

For the Filling

• Glucose syrup
• Mirror glaze
• Finely crushed pistachios

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preparing the Almond Paste

1. In a food processor, mix the almond flour and sugar. Pulse until finely blended.
2. Add the soft butter to the mixture and pulse again until fully incorporated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Gradually add orange blossom water while kneading the dough.
4. Continue kneading until the dough is soft and holds together well to form the almond paste.

2. Shaping the Almond Sticks

1. Divide the almond paste into portions and roll each portion into long sticks, approximately 20 inches in length. Adjust the length to fit your baking sheet if needed.
2. Lightly brush each stick with egg white on all sides.
3. Roll the brushed sticks in white sesame seeds, ensuring they are fully coated. Gently press the seeds to secure them.
4. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a plastic-handled knife, create a groove along the length of each stick. Ensure the groove is evenly centered.
   • Pro Tip: If the tool sticks while shaping, dip it lightly in sesame seeds before continuing.

3. Baking the Almond Sticks

1. Place the prepared sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
   • Important: The sticks should not brown. Remove them as soon as the bottoms show slight color. Overbaking may cause them to harden and crumble during filling.
3. While the sticks are still warm, lightly brush them with the glaze on all sides, and return them to the oven, placing them on the lowest rack.
4. Keep an eye on them—once small bubbles start to form on the edges of the stick, remove them from the oven.
5. This step is crucial as the glaze gives the sticks a beautiful shine and a soft, chewy texture.

4. Making the Pistachio Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons of mirror glaze with 1 tablespoon of glucose syrup. Heat gently until well blended.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the finely crushed pistachios. Mix thoroughly to create a sticky filling.

5. Filling the Almond Sticks

1. Using a small spoon, carefully fill the grooves in each almond stick with the pistachio mixture.
2. Smooth the filling with the back of the spoon to ensure a neat and polished appearance.

6. Cutting and Finishing the Almond & Pistachio cookies

Using a sharp knife, slice the filled almond stick diagonally into evenly sized, diamond-shaped pieces. Ensure your cuts are clean and precise, keeping the pistachio filling neatly in the center without spilling. Once cut, allow the treats to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and texture. These elegant, bite-sized delights are now ready to impress!

Serving and Storage

These almond pistachio cookies are perfect for serving at gatherings or gifting during the holiday season. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Serving: Serve these treats in decorative cupcake liners or display them on an elegant platter to highlight their golden sesame crust and vibrant pistachio filling. Pair with tea or coffee for a perfect match.
• Storage: Put the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to10 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Why They’re Perfect as Holiday Treats

1. Elegant Presentation: The golden sesame seeds and bright green pistachios make these cookies a showstopper.
2. Rich Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and floral notes ensures they’re loved by all.
3. Handcrafted Appeal: Their artisanal appearance and delicate textures evoke warmth and care—perfect for the festive season.

Tips for Success Almond Pistachio Cookies

1. Precision Is Key: Pay attention to the groove’s depth and width to ensure enough space for the filling.
2. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking to prevent browning, which can affect the flavor and texture.
3. Work Quickly: Fill and glaze the cookies while they’re warm for optimal adhesion and shine.

Variations

• Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the pistachio filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Alternative Coatings: Try rolling the dough sticks in black sesame seeds for a striking visual contrast.
• Nut Substitutions: Swap pistachios for hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Creating almond pistachio cookies is a rewarding experience that combines culinary craftsmanship with exceptional taste. Whether you’re making them for a family celebration or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Dive into the process, and let their nutty flavors and sesame aroma bring joy to your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I don’t have almond flour? What can I use instead?

The best substitute is to make homemade almond flour from scratch. This method not only ensures excellent quality but also enhances the flavor of the cookies, as the natural almond taste will be more pronounced. Here’s how to prepare it:

2. How to Make Homemade Almond Flour

1. Boil and Peel: Take 500g of almonds, blanch them in boiling water, and peel off the skins.
2. Dry Overnight: Allow the peeled almonds to air-dry completely by leaving them out overnight.
3. Grind with Sugar: The next day, grind the dried almonds in a food processor along with the sugar.
4. Add Butter: Incorporate soft butter into the mixture and grind again until smooth.
5. Bind with Orange Blossom Water: Gradually add a little orange blossom water while kneading to create a soft, pliable almond dough ready for use. This method ensures your almond cookies have a rich, natural almond flavor with a beautifully soft texture.

3. What can I use if I don’t have orange blossom water?

You can substitute orange blossom water with rose water or a mix of vanilla extract and water. However, orange blossom water provides a distinctive floral aroma that complements the nuts beautifully.

• Healthy Breakfast Smoothies(10 top recipes!)
• Sourdough Bread Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide