Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of healthy and delicious vegan treats? I've been experimenting in the kitchen, and boy, do I have a recipe that's going to knock your socks off. We're talking about Pistachio Power Bites – also known as vegan pistachio amaretti cookies!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Amaretti? Isn't that Italian and complicated?" Well, not these little gems! We’re taking a classic cookie and giving it a healthy, plant-powered twist. These cookies are not only gluten-free and oil-free but also incredibly easy to make, especially if you choose the lazy option. This makes them perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Magic of Pistachios
The star of the show, of course, is the mighty pistachio. These vibrant green nuts are packed with flavor, healthy fats, and a gorgeous colour that makes these cookies so inviting. I've used finely ground pistachios to create a moist and chewy interior, while the exterior crisps up perfectly in the oven. If you can't find pistachio flour, no stress! Just grind whole pistachios in a coffee grinder or food processor, and you're good to go. A slightly coarser texture adds a wonderful rustic charm.
Whipped vs. Lazy: Your Choice!
I’ve tested two ways to make these: the classic method using whipped aquafaba (that’s the magical chickpea brine!) and an easier, ‘lazy’ method where you simply add the liquid to the other ingredients. The whipped version produces taller, softer cookies that are more akin to traditional amaretti, while the lazy version results in flatter, crispier treats. Honestly, both versions are fantastic, and it’s fun to experiment to see which you prefer.
Get Baking!
Ready to get your hands a little floury? Here’s the recipe:
Yields: 14 cookies Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 g finely ground pistachios (about 2 and 2/3 cups if using a coffee grinder and measuring after grinding)
- 125 g caster (superfine) sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp matcha powder (optional, for extra color and antioxidants)
- 30-45 ml aquafaba (chickpea brine) - start with less and add until you reach a playdough consistency.
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp orange blossom water (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp lemon or lime juice (if whipping aquafaba)
- Icing sugar, for coating (optional)
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Tray
- Baking Paper
- Electric Mixer (optional)
- Coffee Grinder or Food Processor (if grinding whole pistachios)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground pistachios, sugar, baking powder, and matcha powder (if using).
- Lazy Method: Simply add the aquafaba, salt, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water to the dry ingredients. Mix until you get a thick, playdough-like dough.
- Whipped Method: In a clean glass or metal bowl, whip the aquafaba, salt, and lemon/lime juice with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the dry mixture along with vanilla extract and orange blossom water. You should get a thick dough that you can roll into balls.
- Roll the dough into 14 equal-sized balls and roll them in icing sugar (if using).
- Place the balls on the baking tray, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until the tops are cracked. Let them cool completely on the tray – they'll crisp up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.
Tips for Success:
- Pistachios: If grinding your own, grind and then sift, re-grinding any larger pieces until you have a fine flour.
- Aquafaba: Start with less and add more only if necessary. The amount you need depends on how coarse your pistachios are.
- Texture: For flatter, crispier cookies, use the lazy liquid method. For taller, softer cookies, use the whipped aquafaba method.
- Storage: These cookies are best stored in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
More Vegan Treats
If you love this recipe, you’ll love my other vegan delights! Be sure to check out my other plant-based recipes. I can't wait to hear your comments and see your creations, and I would also love to see you share this on social media.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get baking! These Pistachio Power Bites are the perfect healthy treat for sharing with family, friends or a special someone (even if that special someone is just you!).
Happy Baking!