Teresa's Recipes
Canestrelli
Canestrelli are delicate Italian shortbread cookies, renowned for their rich buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions, these cookies are shaped like a flower and dusted with powdered sugar, making them a delightful treat for any time of the year. Their origins can be traced back to the Liguria region, where they are often served alongside coffee or tea. Indulge in these charming cookies that carry the essence of Italian tradition with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, plus more for dusting All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup, plus extra for dusting Powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon, freshly grated Lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 large Egg yolks
- 1 cup (2 sticks), softened Unsalted butter
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Add the softened unsalted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a smooth dough forms.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Using a flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating almond extract along with the vanilla.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the week.