Desserts > Italian Desserts > Italian Cookies

Chocolate Chip Canestrelli Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
7. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cookies

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mini chocolate chips can be substituted with regular chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with potato starch or rice flour.

Variations:
- Lemon Canestrelli: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough and replace the chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
- Almond Canestrelli: Add 1/2 cup of ground almonds to the dough and replace the chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of chopped almonds.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Don't overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can result in tough cookies.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to shape the cookies.

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 the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Garnishes:
The cookies can be garnished with additional mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Pairings:
The cookies pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Suggested side dishes:
The cookies can be served as a dessert or snack on their own.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dough. Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
Canestrelli are traditional Italian cookies that originated in the Liguria region. They are typically made with flour, sugar, and butter, and are shaped like flowers or stars.

Flavor profiles:
The Chocolate Chip Canestrelli have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor, with bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a dessert or snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Chocolaty, Nutty, Crunchy