Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons grappa or brandy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Small saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grappa or brandy, and vanilla extract. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Prick each square with a fork.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
6. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and oil over low heat, stirring constantly. Dip each cookie in the melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 20 cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the eggs, you can use flax eggs.
- For the grappa or brandy, you can use orange juice or apple cider vinegar.
- For the bittersweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips.
Variations:
- You can add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough before baking.
- You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before adding it to the dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies or they will be too hard.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cookies in a basket lined with parchment paper.
- Arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh fruit.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
Pairings:
- Serve the cookies with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve the cookies with a scoop of ice cream.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the cookies with fresh fruit salad.
- Serve the cookies with a bowl of yogurt.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more butter or oil.
- If the cookies are too soft, bake them for a few minutes longer.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Food History:
Chiacchiere are a traditional Italian dessert usually served during Carnival season. They are made with a simple dough of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and grappa or brandy, and are usually fried or baked.
Flavor Profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and buttery flavor with hints of vanilla and brandy. The chocolate adds a rich, decadent flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cookies as an after-dinner treat.
- Serve the cookies with a scoop of ice cream.
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Region: Italian