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ItalianEasy

Ugly but good cookies

AT

By

Ago Tanfossi

Chef and recipe curator at Global Cucina

Published on March 16, 2026

Updated on April 15, 2026

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Delicious cookies made with meringue and hazelnuts: don't be fooled by their appearance, they are simply amazing! Discover the recipe to prepare them at home.

Capolavoro Score 4.7/5 · 21 votes
Ugly but good cookies

Ingredients

  • 10 oz Whole peeled hazelnuts
  • 6.7 oz Sugar
  • 5 oz Egg whites at room temperature
  • 1 Vanilla bean pulp

Instructions

  1. 1

    To make the ugly but good cookies, first grind the hazelnuts in a mixer until you get a not too fine crumb. Set aside and pour the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk.

  2. 2

    Start whisking and add the seeds from the vanilla bean. When the egg whites become clear and foamy, add the sugar, a little at a time. Continue whisking at medium speed for another 5 minutes: you should get a firm and solid mixture, with the classic peak.

  3. 3

    Incorporate the hazelnut crumb into the meringue, mixing gently from the bottom up with a spatula. Transfer the mixture to a steel pot and cook over medium or medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly with a soft spatula.

  4. 4

    When the mixture has compacted, form mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper using 2 tablespoons and space them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 130° for 40-45 minutes: they should dry out without burning. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the ugly but good cookies cool completely before enjoying them!

Ago's Notes

  • Adjust the salt according to the salt content of the preserves.

May the result be a testament to the simple power of ingredients. This recipe showcases how basic elements can create something extraordinary - much like Italian classic preparations.

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