17 Traditional Italian Shortbread Cookies Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Traditional Italian shortbread cookies, also known as "biscotti di pasta frolla" in Italian, are a staple in every Italian household. These delicious treats are made with simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, but the end result is a delicate and crumbly cookie that is perfect for any occasion. While there are many variations of shortbread cookies, this traditional Italian recipe has been passed down for generations. Let's take a closer look at how to make these mouthwatering cookies that will transport you to the streets of Italy with just one bite.
Main Ingredients: Flour, Potato Starch, Icing, Salt, Vanilla Powder
Start off your beer can chicken meal with a sweet treat. These Canestrelli cookies are a traditional Italian shortbread cookie that is buttery, crumbly, and perfect for dipping in your coffee or tea. Made with only a few simple ingredients, including butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are easy to make and will melt in your mouth.
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Baci di Dama (Italian Almond Shortbread Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Caster, Unsalted Butter, Almond Meal, Flour, Chocolate
If you love the combination of chocolate and almonds, then you will love these Baci di Dama cookies. These Italian shortbread cookies are filled with a rich chocolate ganache and topped with a whole almond. They are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty and will pair well with your beer can chicken.
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Easy Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, All Purpose
If you are short on time but still want to make a delicious dessert to go with your beer can chicken, these easy shortbread cookies are the perfect choice. With only four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these buttery and crumbly cookies ready in no time.
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Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, All Purpose Flour
For a twist on the classic shortbread cookie, try making these whipped shortbread cookies. The addition of cornstarch in the dough gives these cookies a light and airy texture that will have you coming back for more. Plus, they are perfect for decorating and making them a fun activity for the whole family.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
If you are a fan of almond flavors, these Italian almond paste cookies are a must-try. Made with almond paste, almond extract, and toasted almonds, these cookies are full of rich and nutty flavors that pair well with a cold beer and your beer can chicken.
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Classic Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Icing Sugar, All Purpose Flour
You can't go wrong with a classic. These traditional shortbread cookies are made with butter, sugar, and flour, and have a delicate and buttery flavor that is perfect for any occasion. They are also great for making in large batches and freezing for future use.
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3-Ingredient Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Light Brown Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you are looking for a super simple and quick shortbread cookie recipe, try these 3-ingredient buttery shortbread cookies. All you need is butter, flour, and sugar, and you will have a batch of delicious cookies in less than 30 minutes. These cookies are perfect for snacking on while your beer can chicken is cooking.
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Keto Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Butter, Sweetener, Pure Vanilla Extract
For those following a keto diet, we have a shortbread cookie recipe just for you. These keto shortbread cookies are made with almond flour, butter, and erythritol and have a buttery and crumbly texture just like traditional shortbread cookies. They are also gluten-free and low carb, making them a guilt-free treat.
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Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose
If you want to add a touch of citrus to your shortbread cookies, try this recipe for orange zest shortbread cookies. The orange zest adds a subtle and refreshing flavor to the classic shortbread cookie, making it a perfect pairing with your beer can chicken.
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Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Finely Chopped Pecans, Unsalted Butter, Granulated
Another delicious twist on the classic shortbread cookie is this recipe for pecan shortbread cookies. The addition of chopped pecans gives these cookies a nutty and crunchy texture that pairs well with the buttery and crumbly cookie base. These cookies are perfect for the fall season and will make a great dessert after your beer can chicken meal.
Now, let's move on to some savory dishes to accompany your beer can chicken. These Italian meatballs are a classic and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the perfect addition to your meal.
These Italian almond cookies, also known as amaretti cookies, are a staple in many Italian households. Made with almond flour, these cookies have a chewy and nutty texture and are perfect for dipping in your coffee or tea. Plus, they are gluten-free and a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you want to make a statement with your meatballs, try this recipe for great big Italian meatballs. These meatballs are made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal, and are baked in the oven for a juicy and flavorful result. Serve them with your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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3-Ingredient Scottish Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Confectioners Sugar, All Purpose Flour
For a unique twist on shortbread cookies, try this recipe for Scottish shortbread cookies. Made with only three ingredients, these cookies have a dense and crumbly texture and are perfect for dunking in your tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner.
If you want to add a touch of creaminess to your cookies, try these Italian ricotta cookies. These soft and fluffy cookies are made with ricotta cheese and are flavored with lemon and almond extract. They are perfect for those who prefer a lighter and less sweet dessert.
No meal is complete without a hearty soup. This classic Italian wedding soup is a favorite in many households and is a perfect complement to your beer can chicken. Made with meatballs, pasta, and vegetables in a flavorful broth, this soup is sure to warm your soul.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
Another keto-friendly option for those following a low-carb diet is these stuffed peppers. Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and topped with cheese, these peppers are full of flavor and will satisfy your craving for Italian food without the guilt.
Get into the holiday spirit with these Christmas shortbread cookies. These buttery and crumbly cookies are shaped into festive shapes and decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them a fun and delicious treat for the whole family.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
If you want to try a unique and traditional Italian Christmas cookie, give these Cucidati a try. These fig-filled cookies are a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season and have a sweet and fruity filling that is encased in a buttery and flaky pastry dough. They are a must-try for any cookie lover.
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Genuine Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Flour
Lastly, we have a recipe for genuine shortbread cookies that is sure to become a family favorite. Made with butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies have a classic and simple flavor that will pair well with your beer can chicken. They are also perfect for giving as gifts or for making ahead and freezing for later use.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
When it comes to traditional Italian shortbread cookies, the key is in the ingredients. The perfect blend of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs is what gives these cookies their signature texture and taste. Italian shortbread cookies are typically made with all-purpose flour, but for a more authentic taste, you can use "00" flour, which is a finely ground flour commonly used in Italian baking. The butter used in this recipe should be unsalted and at room temperature, as it will mix better with the other ingredients. And for the sugar, a combination of granulated sugar and powdered sugar is used to give the cookies their delicate sweetness.
Beyond the Basics
While the base ingredients for traditional Italian shortbread cookies are simple, there are a few additions that can take these cookies to the next level. Some recipes call for the addition of lemon or orange zest, which adds a subtle citrus flavor to the cookies. Others may include chopped almonds or pine nuts for a bit of crunch. And for a truly indulgent treat, some bakers will dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent finish. The options are endless, allowing you to customize the cookies to your liking.
Mastering the Technique
While the ingredients are important, the technique used to make these cookies is crucial. The dough needs to be handled with care, as overmixing can result in tough cookies. Once the dough is formed, it is typically shaped into a log and baked until golden brown. After the first bake, the log is cooled and then sliced into individual cookies before being baked again to achieve the classic crispness of Italian shortbread cookies. This two-step baking process is what sets these cookies apart from other shortbreads and gives them their signature delicate texture.
Creating Memories with Every Bite
In Italy, shortbread cookies are not just a tasty treat, but a symbol of family and tradition. Making these cookies can be a family affair, with everyone having a hand in shaping and baking the dough. And once the cookies are ready, they are often served with a cup of coffee or espresso, making for a perfect after-dinner treat. With its simple ingredients, versatile variations, and rich history, traditional Italian shortbread cookies are not just a recipe, but a way to create lasting memories with every delicious bite.
In conclusion, traditional Italian shortbread cookies are a must-try for any fan of baked goods. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, customizable variations, and rich history, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not gather your loved ones, put on some Italian music, and whip up a batch of these delectable treats? Your taste buds will thank you.
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