Italian cake cookies, also known as "biscotti morbidi" in Italian, are a delicious and traditional dessert that originated in Italy. These soft and chewy cookies are a beloved treat in many Italian households, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. The recipe for these delectable cookies has been passed down for generations, and today, I will be sharing with you the secrets to making the perfect batch of Italian cake cookies.
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
If you're looking for a rich and indulgent dish that's bursting with flavor, this creamy Italian ravioli recipe is a must-try. Tender pillows of pasta filled with a creamy cheese mixture and smothered in a savory tomato cream sauce, this dish is sure to impress.
To start, make the filling for the ravioli by combining ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon zest. Spread the mixture onto wonton wrappers and seal them up to form the ravioli. Boil them in salted water until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
No Italian meal is complete without a hearty serving of meatballs. This classic recipe uses a combination of ground beef and pork, Italian seasoning, and a touch of garlic for a robust and flavorful meatball that pairs perfectly with pasta or on its own as an appetizer. Serve them up with your favorite marinara sauce for a truly authentic Italian experience.
If you're a fan of spicy and savory flavors, this Italian sausage pasta is the dish for you. Al dente pasta is tossed with spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and crushed red pepper for a kick of heat. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly satisfying meal.
Nothing beats a classic, and this traditional Italian Bolognese sauce is no exception. Slow-cooked for hours to develop a rich and robust flavor, this sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, fresh vegetables, and a touch of red wine. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Tiramisu or Tiramisu Cake
Main Ingredients: Large Egg, Large Egg Yolk, Granulated White Sugar
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic Italian dessert – tiramisu. Layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee and a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and Kahlua make for a decadent and irresistible treat. Want to switch things up? Try a tiramisu cake for a unique twist on this beloved dessert.
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Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Mild Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion
Warm up on a chilly day with a bowl of this creamy Italian sausage and tortellini soup. Made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables, this soup is hearty and full of flavor. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
An easy and delicious weeknight meal, this Italian sausage bow tie pasta is a winner. Bow tie pasta is tossed with sliced Italian sausage, garlic, and spinach for a simple yet flavorful dish. Top it off with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese for an extra dose of flavor.
Want to know the secret to a truly authentic Italian Bolognese sauce? It's all about the slow cooking. Letting the sauce simmer for hours allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and robust sauce that's perfect for your favorite pasta dish. Don't rush the process – trust us, it's worth it.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These little Italian almond paste cookies are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Made with almond paste, powdered sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with almond flavor. Dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
Take your pasta game to the next level with this Italian sausage tortellini. Al dente tortellini is tossed with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and spinach for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Finish it off with a dash of cream for a touch of indulgence.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, this recipe is for you. A creamy sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning is the perfect accompaniment to al dente pasta and sliced Italian sausage. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness.
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Creamy Italian Pasta Casserole
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Half And Half, Heavy Cream, Red Pepper
Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal? This creamy Italian pasta casserole fits the bill. Penne pasta is tossed with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and a creamy tomato sauce before being baked to perfection. Top it off with a generous grating of mozzarella cheese for a gooey and delicious finish.
Chicken thighs are often overlooked in favor of chicken breasts, but this recipe will make you a believer. Italian seasoning, garlic, and lemon juice make for a flavorful marinade for the chicken thighs, which are then baked until tender and juicy. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Tuscan Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, Olive Oil, Garlic, Shallots, Sun Dried
If you've never tried gnocchi before, this Tuscan gnocchi recipe is a great place to start. Soft and pillowy potato dumplings are tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
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Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder
This Tuscan chicken pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. Chicken breasts are cooked in a flavorful tuscan seasoning and served over a bed of al dente pasta tossed in a creamy garlic sauce. Finish it off with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a savory and indulgent touch.
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Chicken Piccata
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt
This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a lemon butter sauce and topped with capers for a tangy and flavorful dish. Serve it over al dente pasta for a complete meal, or pair it with your favorite side dishes for a lighter option.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Garlic Powder, Salt, Paprika
For a creamy and indulgent meal that will satisfy all your cravings, try these creamy Tuscan chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are seared and then cooked in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Alfredo Sauce
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Grated Parmesan Cheese
Who doesn't love a good Alfredo sauce? This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of bacon and peas for a touch of smokiness and freshness. Toss it with your favorite pasta and top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delicious and indulgent meal.
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Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
Main Ingredients: Uncooked Penne, Hot Italian Sausages, Chicken Broth
For all the spice lovers out there, this spicy Italian sausage pasta is a must-try. Al dente pasta is tossed with spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes, and crushed red pepper for a fiery and flavorful dish. Top it off with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese for a touch of richness.
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Creamy Carbonara
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Pancetta, Half And Half, Large Egg Yolks
If you're a fan of classic Italian dishes, you can't go wrong with a creamy carbonara. Pancetta, eggs, and pecorino cheese come together to create a rich and indulgent sauce that's perfect for coating your favorite pasta. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Italian Cake Cookies
Flour and Sugar
The main ingredients for Italian cake cookies are all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. These two ingredients form the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and sweetness. For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour and coconut sugar instead.
Eggs and Butter
Eggs and butter are essential for adding moisture and richness to the cookies. Make sure to use room temperature eggs and butter for better incorporation into the dough.
Flavorings
To give the cookies their distinct Italian flavor, you will need vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest. These ingredients add a subtle but delightful taste to the cookies.
Chopped Nuts and Chocolate Chips
While not traditional, adding chopped nuts and chocolate chips to the cookie dough can elevate the taste and texture of the cookies. Try using pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a delicious crunch, and dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Directions for Making Italian Cake Cookies
Mixing the Dough
To make the cookie dough, start by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder before gradually adding it to the wet ingredients. Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips, if using.
Shaping and Baking
Once the dough is well-mixed, shape it into a flat log and place it on a lined baking sheet. Bake the log for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing the log into individual cookies.
Second Bake
The unique aspect of Italian cake cookies is that they are baked twice. Once the cookies are sliced, place them back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp on the edges.
Enjoying Your Italian Cake Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even dip them in your favorite gelato for a truly Italian experience. These cookies also make for a lovely gift, wrapped up in a beautiful box or tin.
In Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for authentic Italian cake cookies, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So why not add a little taste of Italy to your dessert repertoire? Buon appetito!