Christmas time in Italy is filled with delightful smells and tastes that bring warmth and joy to every home. One of the most beloved traditions during this festive season is the creation of Pasta Frolla Di Natale, a classic Italian Christmas shortcrust pastry that enchants both young and old with its buttery aroma and delicate texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply looking to add a touch of Italian flair to your dessert table, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas!
Title: Pasta Frolla Di Natale Christmas Shortcrust Pastry
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 egg
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped candied fruit (optional)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until well incorporated.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the lemon zest to the bowl and mix it gently with the flour and butter mixture.
4. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture.
5. Use a fork or your hands to bring the dough together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want it to just come together into a cohesive ball.
6. If desired, gently fold in the chopped candied fruit into the dough for added sweetness and festive flair.
7. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out the pastry into desired shapes – stars, Christmas trees, or circles are popular choices.
10. Place the cut-out pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
11. Bake the Pasta Frolla Di Natale in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
12. Remove the pastries 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.
13. Once the pastries are fully cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy finish that adds a touch of magic to these festive treats.
Enjoy your delightful Pasta Frolla Di Natale Christmas Shortcrust Pastries with a steaming cup of coffee, a glass of sweet wine, or alongside other traditional Italian holiday desserts. These buttery, tender pastries are a perfect addition to any holiday spread and are bound to become a cherished favorite among your family and friends. Embrace the spirit of Christmas with every bite of this delectable Italian treat!
