Description of this recipe: Canestrelli are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Italian shortbread cookies, traditionally shaped like flowers and dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe uses hard-boiled egg yolks, which give the cookies their characteristic crumbly texture and a subtle, rich flavor. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet treat any time of day. Canestrelli are especially popular during the holidays, making them a cherished addition to any festive occasion. The unique combination of ingredients and the careful preparation method result in a cookie that is both sophisticated and comforting, a testament to the simple elegance of Italian baking.
Why you will love this recipe: You will love this Canestrelli recipe because it captures the essence of traditional Italian baking with a unique twist. The use of hard-boiled egg yolks creates an unbelievably tender and delicate crumb that simply melts in your mouth. These cookies are not overly sweet, allowing the subtle flavors of the butter, lemon zest, and vanilla to shine through. The recipe is straightforward, yet the results are impressive, making it a rewarding baking project for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Imagine the satisfaction of creating these beautiful, flower-shaped cookies, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, and sharing them with friends and family. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert platter. Plus, the recipe allows for some creative freedom; you can experiment with different shapes and sizes to suit your preference. These Canestrelli cookies are a delightful treat that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (100g) cornstarch
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 hard-boiled egg yolks, sifted
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Yolks
Begin by hard-boiling three eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the saucepan and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool quickly. This will prevent the yolks from turning green. Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, peel them carefully. Separate the yolks from the whites – we will only be using the yolks for this recipe. Place the yolks in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the yolks through the sieve. This process ensures that the yolks are finely grated and evenly distributed throughout the dough, contributing to the cookies’ delicate texture. Set the sifted yolks aside. This step is crucial for achieving the signature crumbly texture of Canestrelli cookies.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar. Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a uniform base for the cookie dough. The cornstarch is a key component in this recipe as it contributes to the cookies’ tender and delicate texture, preventing them from becoming too dense. The powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, dissolves easily into the dough, creating a smooth and even sweetness. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures that they are evenly distributed, which is essential for consistent baking results. Set the bowl aside for the next steps.
Step 3: Add the Butter
In a separate, larger mixing bowl, place the softened unsalted butter. It’s important that the butter is properly softened, but not melted, as this will affect the texture of the final product. Softened butter should yield slightly when pressed with a finger but still hold its shape. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the softened butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to break the butter into small pieces and evenly distribute it throughout the flour mixture, creating a light and crumbly base for the dough. This step is crucial for achieving the signature shortbread texture of Canestrelli cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate the Yolks, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla
Add the sifted hard-boiled egg yolks to the butter and flour mixture. Also, add the lemon zest and vanilla extract. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note to the cookies, complementing the rich flavor of the butter and egg yolks. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness. Gently knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to over-knead the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. The dough should come together easily and be slightly firm but pliable. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Once the dough has come together, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Flatten the dough into a disc shape to help it chill evenly. Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake the cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Traditional Canestrelli are often shaped like flowers, but you can use any shape you prefer. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they are baking, as they can burn easily.
Step 7: Dust with Sugar and Serve
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before handling them. Cooling the cookies allows them to firm up, making them less likely to break. Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful, snowy appearance. Serve the Canestrelli cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of day.
COOKING Rating: 5/5
Serving Suggestions: Canestrelli cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. They can also be served as part of a dessert platter alongside other Italian treats like biscotti or almond cookies. Consider serving them at holiday gatherings or special occasions for a touch of elegance. For a simple yet elegant presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and dust them with an extra layer of powdered sugar just before serving. They also make a lovely homemade gift, packaged in a pretty tin or cellophane bag.
Tips:
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best dough consistency.
- Sifting the egg yolks is crucial for achieving a delicate crumb. Don’t skip this step!
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking.
- Be gentle when kneading the dough to avoid overdeveloping the gluten.
- Watch the cookies closely while baking, as they can burn easily.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter and vanilla extract.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 40-42 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per cookie): (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories Protein: 1-2 grams Sodium: 10-20 milligrams
Conclusion: This Traditional Canestrelli Recipe offers a delightful taste of Italian baking heritage. The unique use of hard-boiled egg yolks creates a wonderfully tender and crumbly texture that sets these cookies apart. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress with its simple elegance and delicious results. The combination of delicate flavors, beautiful flower shape, and snowy dusting of powdered sugar make these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these authentic Italian shortbread cookies in your own kitchen.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just omit any additional salt that might be called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that using salted butter may slightly alter the flavor of the cookies.
- Why is it important to sift the egg yolks? Sifting the hard-boiled egg yolks is crucial for achieving the signature crumbly texture of Canestrelli cookies. Sifting ensures that the yolks are finely grated and evenly distributed throughout the dough, which prevents any lumps and contributes to a smoother, more delicate crumb. This step is what sets Canestrelli apart from other shortbread cookies.
- Can I freeze the Canestrelli dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the Canestrelli dough for later use. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- What is the best way to store Canestrelli cookies to keep them fresh? To keep Canestrelli cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, the cookies should stay fresh for up to a week. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become too dry.
- Can I add other flavorings to the Canestrelli dough? Yes, you can customize the flavor of Canestrelli cookies by adding other flavorings to the dough. Some popular additions include almond extract, orange zest, or a pinch of ground cinnamon. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. Just be sure to add the flavorings in small amounts to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of the cookies.
