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
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 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) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks, orange juice, and orange zest to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly.
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 before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 35mg
Total carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use orange extract instead of orange zest if you don't have fresh oranges.
- You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Variations:
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- You can dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for texture.
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, or the cookies will be tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more orange juice.
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 (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the cookies with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
Pairings:
These cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a more substantial snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, try adding a little more orange juice to the dough.
- If the cookies are too crumbly, try adding a little more butter to the dough.
- If the cookies are too flat, try chilling the dough before baking to help them hold their shape.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dough 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 often flavored with lemon or orange zest.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies are buttery and tender, with a bright citrus flavor from the orange juice and zest.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet snack or dessert, or as part of a holiday cookie platter.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Tangy, Citrusy, Sweet, Refreshing