Baked Chiacchiere

Baked Chiacchiere are a traditional Italian dessert, typical of the Carnival period. They are usually fried, but the baked version is a lighter alternative. Here is the recipe for baked Chiacchiere:

Ingredients

• 250g of all-purpose flour
• 2 medium eggs
• 50g of sugar
• 50g of melted and cooled butter
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 lemon (grated zest)
• 1 tablespoon of liquor (such as grappa or rum)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder for desserts
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Butter and flour (for the pan)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the sugar and mix well.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the melted butter, grated lemon zest, and tablespoon of liquor.
4. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients and start kneading until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough.
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
7. Take out the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, trying to get a thickness of about 3-4 mm.
8. With a serrated wheel or a knife, cut the dough into rectangles or strips, and make a cut in the middle if you prefer the traditional shape of Chiacchiere.
9. Transfer the Chiacchiere onto a baking sheet previously buttered and floured, or covered with parchment paper.
10. Bake the Chiacchiere for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become lightly golden.
11. Remove the Chiacchiere from the oven and let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

Curiosity

Chiacchiere are known by different names in various parts of Italy: frappe, cenci, galani, sfrappole, just to name a few. Each region boasts small variations in the recipe or in the method of preparation, which make this dessert a true specialty in all its versions.

Would you like to pair a wine or a cocktail with these delicacies?