Cavallucci Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) almond flour 1 cup (100g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (75g) chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 19g (12g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, water, and orange zest.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Fold in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. 6.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
7. 7.
   Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
• Store the Cavallucci cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve these Cavallucci cookies alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cavallucci cookies on a decorative platter or in a rustic wooden box. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.