Italian Christmas baking is a celebration of tradition, family, and the sweet aromas that fill the kitchen during the holiday season. One classic treat that embodies all of this is the Cavallucci Chewy Anise and Almond Cookies. These delightful cookies are a perfect blend of chewy texture, aromatic anise flavor, and the nutty goodness of almonds. Baking a batch of Cavallucci is not just a culinary experience; it’s a sensory journey back to the cozy Christmas memories of Italy.
Cavallucci Chewy Anise and Almond Cookies
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup finely chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 2 tsp anise seeds
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped almonds, anise seeds, ground cinnamon, orange zest, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, sugar, and olive oil until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a touch more olive oil.
5. Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a fork to create a decorative pattern on the cookies.
7. Bake the Cavallucci cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
Transport yourself to the quaint Italian countryside with the irresistible scent of Cavallucci Chewy Anise and Almond Cookies wafting through your home this holiday season. Share these delectable treats with loved ones and create new Christmas traditions that will last a lifetime. Buon Natale!
