Traditional Italian Cornmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
• Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) on a lightly floured surface.
7. 7.
   Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smoother texture in the cookies.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the other ingredients.
• Egg — Use a large egg at room temperature for optimal results.
• Vanilla extract — Choose a high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies.
• Baking powder — Check the expiration date to ensure it is still active for proper leavening.

Tips & Tricks

• For a citrusy twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough.
• Dust the cookie cutter with flour to prevent sticking when cutting out the shapes.
• To achieve a crumbly texture, avoid overmixing the dough.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• These cookies are perfect for gifting during the holiday season or as a sweet treat any time of the year.

Serving advice

Serve these traditional Italian cornmeal cookies alongside a cup of espresso or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a charming addition to a dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie tin, allowing their golden color and unique shapes to shine. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.