cookies

Italian Bocconotti Cookies

March 10, 2020 by Marisa 34 Comments

These Italian Bocconotti Cookies are seductive little morsels with their scalloped buttery shells and a lovely fig jam cocooned within.

All that’s needed is a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving and then simply relax in your comfy chair with a hot cup of tea while nibbling on these dainty treats.

There are so many variations of these cute bocconotti cookies, which easily translates to “small bites.” And they’re aptly named I might add for these two bite morsels.

They’re more commonly served during Christmas with a chocolate and nut filling, much like the bocconotti abruzzesi or even the bocconotti calabresi from southern Italy.

However in my opinion when a cookie is as seductive in appearance and taste as these jam filled pastries, well any day of the year is a good day to bake them!

As I’m sure you’ll all agree when you try them out for yourselves!

Ingredients for Bocconotti Cookies

All you’ll need are a few staple ingredients which I’m sure you already have on hand, such as:

Flour
Sugar
Butter
One egg
Baking powder
Salt (just a pinch)
Your favourite jam

Oh Yes! And one mustn’t forget the scalloped baking tins of approximately 2 inches in diameter. However, if you can’t find any then simply use 2 inch round mini muffin tins. This would work as well.

If you’ve never worked with a pastry dough before, you’ll be happy to know that your food processor will be doing most of the work here.

Once the ingredients are blended together and has the appearance of very coarse crumbs, you’re then ready to transfer the dough onto a work surface.

Then there’s a gentle kneading of the dough by hand so that it all comes together in a cohesive ball and this generally takes about 1 minute.

Allow the dough to chill in the fridge for about 1 hour for easy handling and shaping.

Pretty simple, right?

How To Shape Bocconotti Cookies

Once the dough has been chilled and your ready to assemble the cookies…the fun begins!

Set an hour of your time to shape out and assemble the bocconotti.

When your tins are well greased, break off a tablespoon of dough at a time and form into a ball.

Press the shaped dough ball into the mini tart mold and up against the edges.

Any excess can be trimmed using a butter knife.

Fill the tartlets with your jam and then use another piece of dough to shape and form the tops.

Once all assembled and ready for the oven, in they go for about 18 to 20 minutes or until a beautiful golden brown!

You’ll have the most enticing aromas wafting thorough your kitchen and beckoning family members in.

Then a simple light…or generous dusting of powdered sugar to finish them off and enjoy!

As you can see the cookies released beautifully from their tins but this time around, I had 2 cookies that were too stubborn to un-mold. In which case you can simply scoop it out with a spoon!

Also, one bocconotti had no top because I was over generous with the cookie dough when topping a few others. But no matter because it was just as yummy!

How to Prep Bocconotti Tins

You’ll want to work with well greased tin molds.

I used a Wilton product called “Cake Release” and I squeeze out a small amount in my baking tins.

Then using a pastry brush I coat the bottom and sides of the tin mold.

A pastry brush is indispensable in getting through the crevices of the mold.

Although I used a fig jam you can just as easily replace it with any flavour you prefer. Nutella would also be a wonderful choice here!

Show your family or friends some love this weekend with these easy to make Italian Bocconotti Cookies!

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

This recipe was originally published March 2, 2018 and republished March 10, 2020 with updated photos and content.

Print Recipe

Italian Bocconotti Cookies

These Italian Bocconotti Cookies are seductive little morsels with their scalloped buttery shells and a lovely fig jam cocooned within.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian Bocconotti Cookies

Servings:

Author: Marisa

Equipment

24 mini tart tins or mini muffin tins of 2 inches in diameter

Ingredients

FOR THE PASTRY
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
3/4 cup chilled butter cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Icing sugar powdered sugar for dusting.
24 mini tart tins or mini muffin tins 2 inches in diameter
FOR THE FILLING
3/4 cup fig jam approximately

Instructions

Place the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together in a food processor and pulse for a few seconds to combine the ingredients.
Add the chilled cubed butter and pulse the mixture together, just until you achieve coarse crumbs.
Whisk together the egg with the grated orange zest in a small bowl and add this egg mixture to the food processor.
Blend in the food processor until half of the dough mixture has come together then transfer to a work surface and keep kneading gently by hand until the dough has formed a ball.
Wrap the pastry dough in cling wrap and chill for 1 hour.
When ready to assemble the pastries, grease well 24 mini tart molds or use mini muffin pans.
Break off a tablespoon of dough and form into a ball then take the ball of dough and press it into the mini tart mold and up against the edges.
Trim off any excess with your fingers or the dull side of a knife. (I find fingers work best)
Repeat with the remaining molds.
Fill each tartlet with about a teaspoon of jam.
Take another tablespoon of dough, form into a ball and with the palm of your hands press it between two sheets of cling wrap.
Place the flattened disks over the jam filled tartlets and press the dough around the edges of the mini molds to seal and then cut off any excess dough.
The excess dough can be reused to form more tops if needed.
Place the mini tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 18 to 20 minutes or until a lovely golden brown.
Allow the bocconotti to cool before dusting with icing sugar.
Brew a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!

Soft Blueberry Amaretti Cookies

June 18, 2019 by Marisa 30 Comments

Soft Blueberry Amaretti Cookies made with blanched almond flour and scented with sweet amaretto liqueur. These cookies are studded with reconstituted dried blueberries and coated in icing sugar.

They make a truly delectable gluten free treat.

This post was originally published March 30 2017 and republished June 18, 2019 with updated photos and content.

Recently, I was asked if I had a gluten free cookie recipe. Amaretti cookies immediately came to mind.

As I set out coming up with a recipe I knew I wanted to elevate this popular Italian cookie with the addition of dried blueberries.

These dried sweet berries caught my eye every single time I strolled by the candy laden isles of Bulk Barn. After going through quite a bit of almond flour and dried blueberries I finally achieved one I was satisfied with.

What are Amaretti cookies made of?

There are different kinds of Amaretti cookies and mostly consisting of almond flour, sugar, egg whites and almond flavouring or liquor.

Some are made with almond paste or simply ground almonds much like these Chewy Amaretti Cookies.

The cookie dough is formed into little balls and rolled in sugar before baking.

You’ll find some are of the crisp and crunchy variety while others are soft and chewy.

They’re all undeniably delicious and a true Italian classic.

Much like their French cousin Le Macaron, these Amaretti cookies have a very light crispiness on the outside. Their centres are soft and chewy with a delicate bite that’s light as air.

The Legend of the Amaretti cookie

As legend has it these cookies date way back to the renaissance period. At a time when a newly married couple from Saronno Italy presented the bishop with their original family cookies made with crushed apricot kernels, egg whites and sugar. In return the bishop blessed the couple with a long and prosperous happy marriage.

We’re not using apricot kernels in this recipe as there is some speculation on how safe their consumption really is. So, there’s no need to dash off somewhere in search of them.

We are however using blanched almond flour which is basically ground almonds without their skins and a much finer flour.

Almond flour is known to add moistness to baked goods and delivers such a sweet taste which is simply perfect when baking up a batch of these soft amaretti cookies.

Although you most certainly can grind up whole blanched almonds to a flour like consistency, this can get a little tricky. You will have to take care that it doesn’t turn into a nut butter as its grinding.

Both the almond flour and dried blueberries can be found in the specialty food section of most grocery stores or head on over to Bulk Barn if you should be so lucky as to have one nearby.

***How to make Soft Blueberry Amaretti* *cookies***

Amaretti cookies are not difficult to make and shape out but it does take a little practice to get perfect little domes of goodness.

Use the amount of almond flour as a guideline because this will depend on the quantity of egg whites used. I used egg whites from 3 large sized eggs.

You can use a teaspoon or even better a 1 1/4 inch round ice-cream scoop for even sized cookies.

Scoop the dough onto a plate filled with icing sugar and turn to coat all over. Finally, shape the dough rounds between the palm of your hands into the size of a walnut in its shell.

You’ll find the dough soft and pliable to work with and will not spread too much during baking.

If you’re dough seems too soft to roll and hold its shape, simply fold in some extra almond flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time.

When they’re ready the amaretti will have golden brown tinged bottoms and soft centres. Allow to cool on the baking sheet placed over a cooling rack because they are very fragile while still warm.

Due to their softness, you’ll want to let them cool sufficiently before lifting them off the baking sheet.

I adore the little burst of sweetness that the blueberry imparts with every single bite and find they elevate these little plump morsels to a truly special treat.

Some will have sweet blueberries peaking through while others…well you’ll simply have to bite into one to discover its hidden fruit!

Do try them and enjoy…I know you’ll love them!

Print Recipe

Soft Blueberry Amaretti Cookies

Gluten free Soft Blueberry Amaretti Cookies scented with amaretto di Saronno liqueur, studded with reconstituted dried blueberries and coated in icing sugar.

Prep Time50 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Soft Blueberry Amaretti Cookies

Servings: 1/2 dozen

Author: Marisa

Ingredients

3 egg whites from 3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 cups almond flour I used super fine (updated)
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur or 1 teaspoon almond extract
a pinch of salt
1/2 cup dried blueberries reconstituted in hot water and drained
3/4 cup icing sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Line three cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand held mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually whisk in the sugar just until combined.
Fold in the almond flour then the honey, amaretto and a pinch of salt.
Gently fold in the reconstituted and well drained blueberries.
Use an ice cream scoop about 1 1/4 inch in diameter to scoop out the dough, rolling it generously in the icing sugar.
Roll the cookies between the palm of you hands to shape them roundly about the size of a walnut in its shell and place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 to 15 minutes.
When ready the cookies will have golden brown tinged bottoms and soft centers.
Transfer the cookie sheets to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before lifting them off the pan.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers.

Notes

Reconstitute dried blueberries by placing them in a small bowl and pour just enough hot water to cover and then let stand for about 15 minutes. Most of all, allow to drain well before proceeding with the recipe.

Amaretto Biscotti

March 1, 2019 by Marisa 11 Comments

Delightfully tender and crumbly, these Amaretto Biscotti are chock full of roasted almonds, chocolate coated almonds and drizzled with more chocolate.

This Amaretto Biscotti post was originally published January 12, 2015 and republished March 1, 2019 with updated photos and content.

I have a love affair with biscotti! My guilty pleasure! Well…one of them, I may have a few more.

This Italian, twice baked cookie is very popular in coffee shops.

Why buy them though, when you can just as easily make your own! They’ll be far more superior to the store bought ones.

I always feature at least one flavour on my sweet table or cookie platter during the holidays. But then again, I really don’t need much of an excuse to bake them any time of the year.

Nowadays I much prefer one flavour of biscotti or another rather then a chocolate chip cookie.

They’re really not complicated to make at all and perfect for beginners.

You can slice and bake them into long and elegant shapes or shape, slice and bake them into mini morsels as I have done with this recipe.

Unlike some rock hard biscotti which require dunking in milk, coffee or even wine, these are made with butter and have a more tender bite but still remain crunchy.

They’re simply wonderful all on their own.

However, a light drizzle of both the dark and white chocolate adds an extravagant touch of elegance.

Brew a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures.

TIPS FOR PERFECT AMARETTO BISCOTTI

First off, I prefer to roughly chop the both the almonds and the chocolate covered almonds. This allows far easier slicing with cleaner cuts.

After the initial first bake do allow the biscotti logs to cool for about 10 minutes for easy slicing. This makes the biscotti more pliable to a sharp knife.

Make sure you’re on a steady cutting board. With the tip of the knife pointed downwards, slice at a diagonal in one fluid motion.

I prefer to stand the biscotti slices upright for the second bake. This allows them to crisp on both sides without having to turn them over and risking breakage.

Allow the biscotti to cool completely before drizzling them with the melted chocolate. This helps the chocolate set much quicker. However, you can just as easily place the chocolate drizzled biscotti tray in the fridge if pressed for time.

They’re at their best stored in an air tight container for about one week and freeze well.

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

Print Recipe

Amaretto Biscotti

Delightfully tender and crumbly, these Amaretto Biscotti are chock full of roasted almonds, chocolate coated almonds and drizzled with more chocolate.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Amaretto Biscotti

Servings: mini biscotti

Ingredients

2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup roasted almonds roughly chopped
1 cup chocolate covered almonds roughly chopped
1/4 cup white chocolate chopped
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lina a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium sized bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar on medium high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and light in colour. For about 2 minutes or so.
Beat in the eggs, amaretto liqueur, almond and vanilla extracts until combined.
With the mixer on low speed, add in the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated.
Stir in both the roasted almonds and the chocolate covered almonds.
On a lightly floured surface divide the biscotti dough in four equal portions.
With lightly dusted hands, roll each portion into a 12 inch log and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes. The logs will be a light golden colour with firm tops.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees.
Once cooled, slice each log crosswise into 3/4 inch pieces.
Place upright on the baking sheet and return to the oven for the second bake.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool before drizzling with the melted chocolate.
Place both chocolates into 2 small separate bowls and melt in the microwave at 20 second intervals.
If your chocolate is too thick for drizzling, simply stir in a little vegetable oil to thin it out to a drizzling consistency.
Using a small spoon drizzle first the dark chocolate over the sliced biscotti and then the white chocolate.
Let the chocolate set before serving.
I leave the biscotti on the cookie sheet at room temperature to set.
However if your pressed for time you can place the cookie sheet with the biscotti in the fridge to set much quicker.

Notes

Adapted from The food Network Magazine.

Triple Chocolate Cookies

January 31, 2019 by Marisa 15 Comments

When it comes to decadent cookies these Triple Chocolate Cookies certainly fit the bill.

This post was originally published on February 4, 2015 and republished Jan 31, 2019 with updated photos and content.

They’re a trifecta of pure cocoa and chock full of both semisweet and white chocolate chunks as well as white chocolate chips.

The addition of instant coffee granules elevates these heavenly cookies with amazing mocha flavour!

You’ll find them soft and chewy with loads of gooey melted chocolate when bitten into…just the way I like my cookies.

These triple chocolate cookies are just about ready to hit the oven right after mixing the dough together. However, if you love and want more of that concentrated chocolate flavour, then do chill the dough overnight.

This cookie dough is a rather stiff dough to start off with. So, if you do chill the dough overnight then simply remember to allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about an hour or two. This will make it easier to scoop out and bake.

A good old tablespoon is enough to scoop up chunks of cookie dough for baking. However, if you have a small ice-cream scoop of about 1 and a half inch to 2 inches, this would work even better. It allows you to swoop in and scoop and releases the cookie dough without much effort.

You’ll probably get a good 3 dozen medium size cookies…give or take a few!

However you can make them larger if you wish.

Simply remember to adjust the baking time accordingly for bigger cookies.

Tips for making soft triple chocolate cookies

A useful tip to chewy gooey cookies, is not to over bake them.

For cookies with soft and chewy centres, bake them for about 8 minutes. They’ll be very fragile when removed from the oven so allow them to cool in the baking pan placed over a cooling rack.

If you like them crispier around the edges then simply bake them for 10 to 12 minutes.

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

Print Recipe

Triple Chocolate Cookies

Triple chocolate cookies, chock full of both semi-sweet and white chocolate chunks and semi-sweet chocolate chips. A heavenly decadent cookie.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate, Cookie, Triple chocolate, Soft and chewy

Servings:

Author: Marisa

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3 tbls unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp instant coffee granules
3/8 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup chopped white chocolate

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375*
Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium size bowl combine the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, coffee, salt and set aside.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream the butter and both the sugars together. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix till blended. Mix in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped semi-sweet chocolate and chopped white chocolate.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form balls into large walnut size chunks of dough. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, they should look just barely set with a shiny sheen. Remove from oven and let cool 15 mins.

Notes

This recipe was adapted from The Best of Better Baking by Marcy Goldman. One of my favourite cookbooks, with lots of insightful information to turn anyone into a better baker.

Ciambelline al Vino Italian Wine Cookies

October 19, 2018 by Marisa 22 Comments

Ciambelline al Vino Italian Wine Cookies are traditional ring shaped tiny cookies. They’re somewhat rustic in appearance and studded with wine-soaked anise seeds. A subtle lemon scent permeates throughout this easy to make cookie.

If your new to this type of Italian cookie you’ll be glad to know that its really quite simple to make. Also, with just a few simple ingredients which you mostly likely already have on hand.

Its also a dairy free cookie which makes a wonderful option for those following a special diet.

These Italian wine cookies are customarily served as an after dinner treat alongside a glass of wine for dipping the cookies into. But they’re also quite wonderful served with any type of liquor that compliments the scent of the anise seeds. Such as Sambuca or even Ouzo if your so inclined. Hubby loves to dip his in grappa.

How to Shape Ciambelline al Vino, Italian Wine Cookies

This my friends is where the fun begins. You’ll so love the aroma while shaping these morsels.

Start off by cutting pieces of dough approximately the size of a walnut in its shell.

You won’t need extra flour for rolling. It actually impedes the process.

Roll out to an 8 inch long rope and pencil thin. At this point you can cut the 8 inch rope in half and simply shape into a ring. Much like these Ciambelle Cookies.

However, if you’re feeling adventurous you’ll want to follow the steps below after rolling it into an 8 inch long rope.

Bend the rope so that it rests parallel and start twisting the 2 strands while interloping them together.

Join the 2 ends together and pinch to secure the round cookies.

You’ll want to repeat this step with the remaining dough before dipping in the sugar.

You’re now ready to dip these pretty shaped cookies into the sugar. Turn them all over to coat while gently pressing them into the sugar.

They don’t take long to bake. In fact 15 minutes is all it took in my conventional mode oven. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a soft golden hue. And. Oh my goodness. Those wonderful aromas!

They’re tender and crumbly, not overly sweet and extremely addictive! I dare you to eat just one!

Happy baking dear friends!

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

Print Recipe

Ciambelline al Vino Italian Wine Cookies

Ciambelline al Vino Italian Wine Cookies are ring shaped cookies. These rustic cookies studded with wine-soaked anise seeds make wonderfully delicious dunkers.

Prep Time45 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Resting time30 mins

Total Time1 hr 30 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Ciambelline al Vino Italian Wine Cookies

Ingredients

1 tablespoon anise seeds
3 fluid ounces white wine I used hubby's homemade wine
3 fluid ounces extra virgin olive oil
2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar plus extra for dipping the cookies into
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
grated lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

Place the anise seeds and the white wine in a small bowl and allow to soak for one hour.
Strain the anise seeds and reserve the white wine in the small bowl.
Add in the extra virgin olive oil to the reserved white wine and whisk the 2 liquids well then set aside.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest and the strained anise seeds until well combined.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the oil and wine mixture.
Use a wooden spoon to work in as much of the flour as you can with the liquids until you get a soft dough.
Transfer the dough with any bits of flour remaining in the bowl to a work surface and knead the dough until it all comes together in a ball, for about 2 or 3 minutes.
Cover the dough with cling wrap and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
When ready to shape the the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line 2 cookie trays with parchment paper and set aside.
To shape the cookies cut, off a piece of dough approximately the size of a walnut in its shell and roll it out to about 8 inches long and a 1/4 in diameter.
Bend in half while keeping it parallel and twist in a rope by overlapping the cookie dough strands. (as seen in photo)
Once roped together shape in a circle by bringing the ends together and pinch to secure and place on the cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Place about 2/3 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
Dip the cookies one at a time in the sugar, turning to coat all over and return them to the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes.
When ready they'll be pale golden in colour and firm to touch.
Cool completely.
Serve as an after dinner treat for dipping in wine or your favourite hot beverage.

cookies

Ingredients for Bocconotti Cookies

How To Shape Bocconotti Cookies

How to Prep Bocconotti Tins

Italian Bocconotti Cookies

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

What are Amaretti cookies made of?

The Legend of the Amaretti cookie

How to make Soft Blueberry Amaretti cookies

Soft Blueberry Amaretti Cookies

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

TIPS FOR PERFECT AMARETTO BISCOTTI

Amaretto Biscotti

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Tips for making soft triple chocolate cookies

Triple Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

How to Shape Ciambelline al Vino, Italian Wine Cookies

Ciambelline al Vino Italian Wine Cookies

Ingredients

Instructions

***How to make Soft Blueberry Amaretti* *cookies***