Pugliese Scarcelle

Pugliese scarcelle are traditional Easter sweets from this region. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500 g of flour
• 200 g of sugar
• 100 g of butter
• 3 eggs
• The grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 packet of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Enough milk
• For decorating: colored confetti, icing made with icing sugar and water or melted chocolate, hard-boiled eggs

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add room temperature butter cut into pieces and work the mixture until it has a sandy consistency.
3. Incorporate the eggs and grated lemon zest and begin kneading.
4. Gradually add enough milk to achieve a smooth, workable dough.
5. Let the dough rest, covered with a tea towel, for about 15 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about half a centimeter.
7. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters such as bells, baskets, lambs or simply oval shapes and cut out the scarcelle.
8. Place the scarcelle on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in an already hot oven at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re slightly golden.
9. Let the scarcelle cool off outside the oven.
10. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by mixing icing sugar with a few drops of water until it reaches a smooth but not too liquid consistency.
11. Decorate the scarcelle with icing or melted chocolate and add colored confetti or place a hard-boiled egg in the center before the icing sets.

The scarcelle are ready to be enjoyed during the Easter holidays!

Curiosity

Every Pugliese family has their own version of the recipe, with little variations that may include the addition of anise or other flavors to the dough. The decorations are often plentiful and colorful, and the scarcelle can also be given as a symbol of good wishes for the Easter holidays.