Malfatti Cookies

“Malfatti cookies”, also known as “ugly but good”, are traditional Italian sweets, typical especially of Northern Italy. The name “malfatti” refers to their rustic and irregular appearance, but the flavor is decidedly delicious. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 200 g of sugar
• 200 g of toasted hazelnuts
• 100 g of toasted almonds
• 2 egg whites
• A pinch of salt
• A few drops of vanilla flavoring (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by finely chopping the hazelnuts and almonds, better if they are still a bit warm after toasting. Tradition calls for a not too fine chop to maintain a certain texture.

2. Whisk the egg whites until very firm with a pinch of salt. When the egg whites start to become frothy, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you have a shiny and very firm meringue. If you wish, you can add a few drops of vanilla flavoring to scent.

3. Gently fold the chopped hazelnuts and almonds into the meringue mixture, trying not to deflate it.

4. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and, using two teaspoons, form piles of the mixture, trying to leave a bit of space between each one.

5. Bake the malfatti cookies in a preheated oven at 160-170 °C for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

Curiosity

Malfatti cookies are a classic example of how even the simplest and perhaps not aesthetically perfect creations can turn into something delicious. According to tradition, their invention was due to a mistake by a pastry chef who transformed a disaster into a specialty requested by everyone!