Venetian-style Scaldatelli

Ingredients

In the Venetian adaptation of Scaldatelli, the biscuits are infused with the flavors of the region. Traditional Italian Scaldatelli are typically plain, while the Venetian version incorporates citrus zest and a touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor profile. Additionally, Venetian Scaldatelli are often smaller in size compared to their Italian counterparts. We alse have the original recipe for Scaldatelli, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• 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 mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Fold in the lemon zest and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. 7.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small oval-shaped biscuits, about 2 inches in length.
8. 8.
   Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
9. 9.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool on a wire rack.
11. 11.
    Once cooled, dust the Scaldatelli with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
12. 12.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Lemon and Orange Zest — Use a fine grater to zest the fruits, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of lemon or orange extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of granulated sugar to 3/4 cup.
• To achieve a crisper texture, bake the Scaldatelli for a few minutes longer until they are golden brown all over.
• Experiment with different citrus fruits such as grapefruit or lime for a unique twist.
• Store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Venetian-style Scaldatelli with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. They can also be enjoyed alongside a scoop of gelato or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Scaldatelli on a decorative platter and lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of citrus peel as a garnish.