Capture the enchanting spirit of an Italian Christmas with these delightful Fiocchi Di Neve, or Snowflake Shaped Pastries. These delicate and beautifully shaped treats are not just visually appealing but also a joy to prepare and share with loved ones during the holiday season. The simplicity of the ingredients and the elegance of their presentation make them a perfect addition to your festive dessert table. Let’s embark on this culinary journey to create a touch of snowy magic in your kitchen!
—
**Fiocchi Di Neve Snowflake Shaped Pastries**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract for a delightful hint of flavor.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it is manageable.
3. **Chill the Dough:** Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step will help the dough to firm up and make it easier to handle when shaping the pastries.
4. **Preheat the Oven:** While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
5. **Shape the Snowflakes:** Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the pastries, placing them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one.
6. **Bake to Perfection:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Fiocchi Di Neve for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
7. **Finishing Touches:** Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once they have cooled slightly, dust the snowflake-shaped pastries generously with powdered sugar to give them a snowy finish.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Arrange these delicate snowflake treats on a festive platter and watch as they disappear with delight! The buttery texture and subtle almond flavor make these pastries irresistibly delicious for holiday gatherings.
—
Embrace the magic of the season by baking a batch of Fiocchi Di Neve Snowflake Shaped Pastries to share with family and friends. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, these charming treats are sure to bring warmth and joy to your Christmas celebrations. Get creative with different snowflake designs and have fun making memories in the kitchen with this simple yet impressive recipe. May your home be filled with the cozy scent of freshly baked pastries and the laughter of loved ones this holiday season.
