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Canestrelli

Canestrelli

The ultimate comfort food of Canestrelli brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of lemon, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings tonight!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 48 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Lemon rind finely grated
  • 3 cups Unbleached flour
  • ½ cup Powder sugar
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter
  • 4 large Egg yolks save the egg white

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Start by combining all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to mix them until you can easily roll the dough. This is where the magic begins, as the rich scent of butter and sugar fills the air. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there; feeling the texture is part of the fun.
  2. Once the dough is well mixed, cover it with a cloth and let it rest in a dark spot for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the dough easier to handle.
  3. After resting, roll the dough out to a thickness of about a quarter of an inch. This is where the fun continues; use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough. Each shape will create a unique cookie, adding a personal touch.
  4. Place the shaped cookies on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures they bake evenly. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
  5. Using a small brush, lightly coat the cookies with egg white. This step helps to achieve a beautiful golden color when baking, giving your Canestrelli that perfect finish.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once it’s hot, bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from perfect to overdone.
  7. After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. As they cool, the aroma will fill your home, making it hard to resist snacking on one right away. Once they’re cooled, sprinkle some powdered sugar over them for that finishing touch.
  8. Finally, serve your Canestrelli warm or at room temperature. I love to pair them with a hot cup of tea, but they’re perfect on their own too!

Notes

Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh and delicious.