Chocolate Canestrelli

Canestrelli are traditional cookies from Northern Italy, especially from Liguria and Piedmont. They are usually made with butter, flour, sugar, and have a characteristic flower shape with a hole in the center. The addition of chocolate is a delicious variation on the original recipe. Here is the recipe for chocolate canestrelli:

Ingredients

• 200 g of all-purpose flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 100 g of powdered sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 50 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour with the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and start to work the ingredients with your fingertips to obtain a sandy mixture.
3. Incorporate the powdered sugar and the egg yolk, mixing until you have a homogeneous mixture.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in cling film. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1-1.5 cm thick.
7. Use a flower-shaped cookie cutter with a hole in the center to shape the canestrelli.
8. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to darken.
9. Let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.

Fun Facts

Traditional canestrelli are offered on festive occasions and are known for their delicateness and crumbliness, ensured by the abundant presence of butter. By adding cocoa, you’ll get an even more irresistible version for chocolate lovers. Remember that they are perfect for dipping in a cup of milk or coffee!

If you happen to not have cocoa powder or want to add a different touch, you could use grated orange zest or vanilla for a different flavor. Happy baking!