Traditional Catalan Panellets
An ancient recipe that originated in Catalonia in the 18th century, panellets are a beloved Easter tradition. These sweet treats are made using ingredients such as ground almonds, sugar, and eggs. Among the most cherished varieties of these traditional sweets are coconut, strawberry, chocolate, coffee, and lemon panellets, often enjoyed...

Ingredients
Base Dough
- ground almonds500g
- sugar350g
- water150mL
- egg1
For Pine Nut Panellets
- pine nuts100g
For Quince Paste Panellets
- quince paste100g
For Cinnamon Panellets
- ground cinnamon50g
- toasted hazelnuts50g
For Strawberry Panellets
- vanilla essence
- red food coloring
For Dusting and Baking
- powdered sugar for dusting
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
242.8kcal (12.14%)
Protein
4.6g (9.16%)
Carbs
19.6g (7.13%)
Sugars
17.5g (35%)
Healthy Fat
12.3g
Unhealthy Fat
1.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Traditional Catalan Panellets
Prepare the Base Dough
- Step 1
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 2
Add the ground almonds to the mixture and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 3
Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool.
Incorporate the Egg
- Step 1
Once the dough has cooled, add the egg white (reserve the yolk for later) and mix well.
Rest the Dough
- Step 1
Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 8 hours.
Assembling the Panellets
- Step 1
Divide the dough into portions based on the number of panellets you want to make.
Pine Nut Panellets
- Step 1
Roll the dough into small balls weighing about 20 g each.
- Step 2
Coat each ball with pine nuts, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
- Step 3
Place the coated balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper that has been greased with butter and lightly dusted with flour.
- Step 4
Brush the panellets with beaten egg yolk and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 5 minutes.
Quince Paste Panellets
- Step 1
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1 cm. Cut it into rectangles.
- Step 2
Place a small piece of quince paste in the center of each rectangle, wrap the dough around it, shape it into a round ball, and dust with sugar.
- Step 3
Arrange them on a prepared baking tray, brush with beaten egg yolk, and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for about 3 minutes.
Strawberry Panellets
- Step 1
Mix the dough with a few drops of vanilla essence and red food coloring. Knead lightly to incorporate the color.
- Step 2
Take portions of about 20 g and shape them into oval balls. Dust with powdered sugar.
- Step 3
Place them on a prepared baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 3 minutes.
Cinnamon Panellets
- Step 1
Mix the dough with ground cinnamon. Shape the dough into 20 g balls, placing a toasted hazelnut in the center of each.
- Step 2
Dust with powdered sugar.
- Step 3
Bake as described for the other panellets.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
242.8kcal (12.14%)
Protein
4.6g (9.16%)
Carbs
19.6g (7.13%)
Sugars
17.5g (35%)
Healthy Fat
12.3g
Unhealthy Fat
1.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the dough is completely cooled before adding the egg white to prevent it from cooking.
Refrigerating the dough for 8 hours helps it firm up and makes it easier to shape.
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially almonds and pine nuts, for the best flavor.
Be gentle when coating the dough balls with pine nuts to avoid breaking them.
Keep an eye on the baking time as panellets bake quickly and can burn easily.
FAQS
Can I make panellets without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg white with a plant-based alternative like aquafaba for a vegan version.
How should I store leftover panellets?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?
Yes, you can use chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios as a substitute for pine nuts.
What type of food coloring should I use for strawberry panellets?
Use gel or liquid food coloring, but ensure it is food-safe and suitable for baking.
Can I freeze panellets?
Yes, you can freeze panellets after baking. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
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