Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a criss-cross pattern.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 36 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per cookie: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 6g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Almond flour can be replaced with hazelnut flour or pecan flour.
Variations:
- Lemon zest can be added to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be mixed into the dough for added texture.
- A splash of Amaretto liqueur can be added to the dough for a nutty flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best results.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before portioning and baking for better shape retention.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm for better adhesion.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive look.
Garnishes:
Fresh berries or whipped cream can be served alongside the cookies for a decadent dessert.
Pairings:
These cookies pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a meal, or alongside fresh fruit for a lighter option.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help it come together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for longer before baking or reduce the oven temperature.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and equipment thoroughly before preparing the recipe.
Food history:
Canestrelli are traditional Italian cookies that originated in the Liguria region. They are typically made with flour, sugar, butter, and egg yolks, and are often flavored with lemon or almond.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a buttery, nutty flavor with a delicate crumbly texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a meal, or alongside fresh fruit for a lighter option.
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Region: Italian