When the holiday season comes around, it’s the perfect time to whip up some delightful traditional Italian Christmas sweets that will fill your home with the warm and inviting scents of the season. One such treat that is cherished among families in Italy is the Torciglioni, which are twisted almond sweets that are both delicate and delicious. These treats make for a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table or a delightful gift for loved ones. So, don your aprons and get ready to bake up a batch of Torciglioni Twisted Almond Sweets that will surely become a holiday favorite in your home.
**Torciglioni Twisted Almond Sweets**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, flour, granulated sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. **Incorporate Butter:** Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Continue to mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
3. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape later.
4. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. **Shape the Sweets:** Once the dough has chilled, take small portions of the dough and roll them into thin ropes, about 5 inches long. Gently twist each rope to create a spiral shape. Place the twisted sweets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
6. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the Torciglioni in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Be cautious not to overbake as almond-based treats can burn quickly.
7. **Cool and Dust:** Once the Torciglioni are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer the sweets to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Before serving, dust the Torciglioni with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
These Torciglioni Twisted Almond Sweets are a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea during the festive season. Their subtle almond flavor and delicate texture make them a perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, these traditional Italian sweets are sure to bring joy to the season. So, take some time to savor the flavors of Italy with these delicious Torciglioni this Christmas. Mangia!
