Canestrelli Biellesi

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds
• 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a smooth dough.
2. 2.
   Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm (⅜ inch).
5. 5.
   Using a flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use a smaller round cutter to create a hole in the center of each cookie.
6. 6.
   Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden around the edges.
7. 7.
   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the Canestrelli Biellesi with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve the desired texture in the cookies.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure easy incorporation.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of lemon zest to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle the cookies with additional powdered sugar after they have cooled.

Serving advice

Serve Canestrelli Biellesi alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They are also perfect for special occasions or as homemade gifts.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Canestrelli Biellesi on a decorative platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also place them in a decorative tin or box for gifting.