Italian cookies, with their rich flavors and delicate textures, are delightful treats that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Often characterized by the use of nuts, dried fruits, and citrus zest, Italian cookies encompass a wide variety of recipes that have been passed down for generations. From classic biscotti to festive pizzelles, these treasured treats are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. In this article, we will explore some of the best Italian cookie recipes, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure success in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we uncover the secrets of creating authentic Italian cookies that will impress your friends and family.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
ITALIAN WEDDING COOKIES
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Cream butter in a bowl. Gradually add confectioners sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add almonds and vanilla. Blend in flour gradually and mix well. Shape into crescents using about 1 teaspoon for each cookie. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not brown. Cool slightly, then roll in the extra confectioners' sugar.
ITALIAN COOKIES II
This is a delicious moist cookie which is a favorite of ours. You'll love it.
Provided by PGOETZ719
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 45m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
- In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the remaining butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in vanilla and milk gradually until a spreadable consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.4 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 20.8 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 68.6 mg, Sugar 12.2 g
PIZZELLE
Hailing from Abruzzo in Central Italy, pizzelle are crisp, flat waffle-esque cookies made in a special hot iron. Like mostaccioli, these cookies predate Christmas -- in fact, it is said that this is the oldest known cookie recipe on earth, dating back to the 8th century BC. In olden times, presses were made from cast iron and would be heated over a fire, or directly on the stovetop. You can still find those irons if you're up to the challenge, but electric irons are much easier to use, and very easy to find both online and at major retailers.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 1h55m
Yield 2 to 4 dozen cookies, depending on size of iron
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk together the sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, anise extract if using and eggs in a large bowl. Add the flour, baking powder and salt, and continue to whisk until the batter is smooth. Allow to stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour so the batter can hydrate.
- Heat the pizzelle iron, and cook your pizzelles according to the manufacturer's directions.
ITALIAN RICOTTA COOKIES
Jessica Hulett's tender, cakey ricotta cookies taste like the white part of the best black and white cookie you've ever had. The recipe comes from Ms. Hulett's grandmother Dorie, who used to flavor the cookies with anise, if she used flavoring at all. Adding lemon zest gives the cookies a fragrant brightness. We approve.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dessert
Time 1h
Yield About 6 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Using an electric mixer, cream 2 sticks butter with sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add ricotta, lemon zest and 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and beat well. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl down with a rubber spatula, then beat in flour, baking soda and salt. Cover dough and chill for at least 2 hours and up to a week.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees and line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick liners. Shape tablespoons of dough into balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets and bake until pale golden on the bottom, about 15 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.
- Melt remaining tablespoon butter. Whisk confectioners' sugar to break up any large lumps, then whisk in melted butter, lemon juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and enough milk to make a spreadable icing. Spread icing on cooled cookies, then let set for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 110, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 67 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES II
This cookie is very chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, BUT the entire outside is coated in sliced almonds for a fantastic look and is absolutely delicious. It is well worth the effort.
Provided by PrairieHarpy
Categories Dessert
Time 35m
Yield 72 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350F (175 degrees C).
- Grease cookie sheets.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to mix together the almond paste, flour, egg whites, white sugar and confectioners' sugar until well blended.
- The mixture will be very sticky.
- Place the sliced almonds into a small bowl.
- Scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough and drop them into the almonds.
- Roll until completely coated.
- Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
- Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.2, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 7.4, Carbohydrate 16.8, Fiber 1, Sugar 13.5, Protein 2.3
ITALIAN WEDDING COOKIES II
This recipe is an old time favorite of ours. All the kids love these and so do we! Hope you get all the nice compliments as I do when you make them.
Provided by Tonkcats
Categories Dessert
Time 12m
Yield 36 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl break up the almond paste. Add the softened butter, sugar, eggs and almond extract. Beat batter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the flour and the salt. Split the batter into thirds and add enough of the three different food colorings to each third to color the batter nicely.
- Spread the batters into three 9 x 13 and 1/4-inch deep aluminum baking pans. Be sure the batter is only about 1/8-inch thick or it will rise to high.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Cool. Remove baked and cooled cakes from pans and place on a cookie sheet or cutting board.
- Heat the jam and spread between the layers as you stack them.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the top layer and refrigerate. When stiff remove cookies from the refrigerator and let chocolate soften slightly before cutting into small rectangles.
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling later on.
- Follow the Recipe Carefully: Italian cookies are often delicate, so it's important to follow the recipe carefully. Don't substitute ingredients or change the proportions unless you know what you're doing.
- Pay Attention to Baking Times: Italian cookies can burn easily, so it's important to pay close attention to the baking times. Use a timer to help you keep track.
- Let Cookies Cool Completely: Before you store or enjoy your Italian cookies, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them to set and firm up.
Conclusion:
Italian cookies are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, there's sure to be an Italian cookie that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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