Pizzelle are thin, crisp, waffle-like cookies that are a holiday favorite in Italy. They’re often flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon, making them a delicious addition to any Christmas cookie platter. These cookies require a pizzelle iron, which creates the iconic lace-like pattern.
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for a traditional flavor)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Pizzelle Iron: Heat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and vanilla (or anise), mixing well. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt until a thick batter forms.
Cook the Pizzelle: Spoon a small amount of batter (about 1 tablespoon) onto the center of each pizzelle iron pattern. Close the iron and cook for 30-45 seconds, or until the pizzelle are golden brown.
Cool: Carefully remove the pizzelle from the iron and place them on a wire rack to cool and crisp up.
Store or Serve: Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. These cookies can also be rolled into cones or cups while warm to hold fillings like cream or fruit.
3. Ricciarelli (Italian Almond Cookies)
Ricciarelli are traditional almond cookies from Siena, Italy, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. These cookies are chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy appearance.
Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the dry ingredients along with the almond extract until a sticky dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten slightly into an oval shape. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar before baking.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly cracked. The cookies should still be soft in the center. Let them cool completely before serving.
4. Cucidati (Sicilian Fig Cookies)
Cucidati are traditional Sicilian fig-filled cookies, often made during Christmas. These cookies feature a spiced fig filling wrapped in a soft, buttery dough, topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients for the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
Ingredients for the Filling:
1 1/2 cups dried figs, chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup almonds or walnuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk, and pulse until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: In a food processor, combine the figs, raisins, nuts, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and forms a sticky paste.
Assemble the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into 3-inch squares. Spoon a small amount of filling onto each square, fold the dough over, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Glaze and Decorate: After cooling, glaze the cookies with a simple powdered sugar icing and sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas cookies bring a touch of Old World charm to your holiday celebrations, each with its unique flavors and festive traditions. Whether you’re baking Anginetti, Pizzelle, Ricciarelli, or Cucidati, these cookies will fill your home with the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Get ready to share these delightful treats with your loved ones and create memories that will last for years to come. Buon Natale!