Oven-cut biscuits

I can provide you with a recipe for oven-baked cut-out cookies. These cookies are commonly known as “shortbread biscuits” and can be made and decorated in many ways. Here is a basic recipe for these delicious treats.

Ingredients

• 300 g of type 00 flour
• 150 g of granulated sugar
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 1 large egg (and 1 yolk, optional, to make them richer)
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (untreated)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 sachet of vanillin (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar.
2. Add the cubed butter and begin to work the mixture with your hands or a mixer until you have a sandy texture.
3. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the egg, grated lemon zest, salt, and vanilla extract (if using).
4. Knead until you form a smooth, compact mass, taking care not to overwork it to avoid overheating the butter.
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm.
8. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges.
10. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving or decorating.

For an Italian touch, you could add chopped almonds or pistachios to the dough for a Sicilian note, or dip them partially in melted chocolate once they are cool.

Curiosity

In Italian tradition, especially during the holidays, it is common to find shortbread cookies of various shapes and sizes, often decorated with icing or chocolate and used as placeholders or homemade gifts. Italian artisanal biscuit making is famous worldwide for the variety and taste of its products.