Lemon Pine Nut Birbanti Biscuits

Birbanti (Italian Almond and Pine Nut Biscuits)

A delicious and light Italian sweet, Birbanti are almond and pine nut biscuits, perfect for any occasion. These delicate treats are made with whipped egg whites, flour, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon and lemon zest. They are then baked to perfection with a crunchy pine nut topping. This traditional recipe yields about 22 biscuits, and they are both simple to prepare and wonderfully fragrant. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable little bites.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemon Zest:
   Start by grating the zest of 2 fresh lemons. The zesty aroma will infuse the biscuits with a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.

2. Whip the Egg Whites:
   In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add 50g of sugar (from the total amount) gradually while continuing to beat the mixture until firm and glossy.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, combine the remaining sugar with the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Add the Lemon Zest:
   Stir in the grated lemon zest into the dry ingredients, bringing that bright citrus flavor into the biscuit mixture.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites in small portions. Do this gently to avoid deflating the egg whites. You want a fluffy, airy dough.

6. Form the Biscuits:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, scoop out small portions of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. You should get around 22 biscuits from the mixture.

7. Top with Pine Nuts:
   Sprinkle the remaining 40g of pine nuts over the top of each biscuit, giving them a delicious crunch when baked.

8. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a golden brown color and are firm to the touch.

9. Cool and Serve:
   Once the Birbanti biscuits are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Tips:

• Serve Birbanti biscuits with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat during your afternoon break.
• Store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They should last for several days, keeping their delightful crunch.

Nutritional Information (Approx.):

Enjoy these delightful Birbanti biscuits, with their perfect blend of sweetness, citrus, and nutty crunch. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own or sharing with friends, these treats will surely add a special touch to your day!