Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the honey, olive oil, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Fold in the walnuts, candied orange peel, and dates.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into desired shapes.
7. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
10. To make the filling, mix together 1/2 cup of finely chopped dates with 1 tablespoon of honey.
11. Spread a small amount of the date filling onto the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
12. Repeat until all cookies are filled.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 160
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds or hazelnuts.
- Instead of candied orange peel, you can use dried cranberries or raisins.
- Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate twist.
- Use different shapes for the cookies, such as hearts or stars.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to finely chop the walnuts, candied orange peel, and dates for a smoother texture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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 (180°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle the cookies with chopped nuts or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
The cookies can be served as a dessert or a snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little bit more olive oil.
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food. Store the cookies in a clean and dry container.
Food history:
Cavallucci are traditional Italian cookies from Tuscany, usually made during the Christmas season. They are known for their unique flavor, which comes from the combination of honey, olive oil, and spices.
Flavor profiles:
The cookies have a sweet and spicy flavor, with hints of honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a dessert or a snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Spicy, Caramelized