The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats. In Italy, Christmas is synonymous with gatherings around the table, sharing delightful pastries, and creating beautiful memories. If you’re looking to add a touch of Italian flair to your festive spread, consider trying your hand at making Pasticcini Di Natale, or Christmas Pastries. These delightful treats are a perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and filled with festive flavors that will surely enchant your guests.
Pasticcini Di Natale Christmas Pastries
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of your favorite jam (apricot or raspberry work well)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out rounds from the dough.
5. Place half of the rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of jam onto the center of each round, making sure not to overfill.
6. Using a smaller cookie cutter, cut out the centers of the remaining rounds to create a little window. Place these rounds on top of the jam-filled rounds, pressing the edges gently to seal.
7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
8. Once cooled, dust the tops of the pastries with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Enjoy these delightful Pasticcini Di Natale with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of spiced mulled wine for a truly Italian Christmas experience. These little pastries are perfect for serving at holiday parties, sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat by the fireplace.Create your own traditions with these delicious Christmas Pastries that are sure to become a festive favorite in no time.
