Pine Nut and Almond Cookies

Chef mariajane's Note:

Here is another great recipe for cookies from Martha!! So easy and so delicious!!

• Total Time: 17 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 17 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 30 cookies

• 1 1/4 cups pine nuts, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup whole raw almonds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites, plus 1 egg white for brushing
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• superfine sugar, for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F Spread pine nuts and almonds in a single layer on separate baking sheets. Toast until fragrant and golden brown, about 8 minutes for pine nuts and 10 minutes for almonds. Let cool.
2. Combine nuts. Process half in food processor with 3 tablespoons sugar until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with remaining nuts and 3 more tablespoons sugar, and add to bowl, Stir n orange zest.
3. Beat 2 egg whites until fluffy. Gradually add remaining sugar and vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in nut mixture.
4. Using 2 teaspoons batter for each cookie, shape into balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush tops with egg white, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Press 2 pine nuts into top of each cookie for garnish.
5. Bake until edges are golden and centers are set, about 17 minutes. Let cool.