Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until light and frothy.
4. Add the honey, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the eggs and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
10. To make the vanilla cream, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
11. Once the cavallucci have cooled, pipe or spoon the vanilla cream onto the top of each cookie.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
- Substitute the vanilla cream with chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to measure the flour accurately to avoid a dry or crumbly dough.
- Don't overmix the dough or the cookies will be tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping into balls.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
If the cookies have become stale, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Top each cookie with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the cavallucci with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a more substantial snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
- If the cookies are too wet, add a tablespoon of flour to the dough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Cavallucci are traditional Italian cookies that originated in Tuscany. They are typically made with flour, honey, nuts, and spices, and are often served during the holidays.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies are sweet and nutty, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The vanilla cream adds a creamy and indulgent touch.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet snack or dessert, or bring them to a holiday party as a festive treat.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Vanilla, Nutty, Caramelized