Esse Cookies

Esse cookies are typical of Italian pastry and are so named for their “S” shape. They are light and crispy, perfect to accompany tea or coffee. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g of all-purpose flour
• 100 g of sugar
• 100 g of butter at room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 1 lemon (grated zest)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 sachet of vanillin or a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 sachet of baking powder
• Granulated sugar (for decorating)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, vanillin (or vanilla extract), and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the butter cut into pieces and work it with the flour until the mixture is sandy.
3. Incorporate the sugar and the grated lemon zest.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Knead until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough. If necessary, add a little flour.
6. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
8. Take the dough from the fridge and on a lightly floured surface, roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1 cm.
9. Cut out the cookies with a knife or a pastry wheel, forming sticks about 10 cm long and then shape them into an “S”.
10. Roll the cookies in granulated sugar to lightly cover the surfaces.
11. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
12. Bake and cook for about 15 minutes or until they are slightly golden.
13. Remove from the oven and let the esse cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

Their sinuous shape makes them unique and recognizable, and it is thought that the name comes from the fact that their shape resembles the letter “S”, which stands for “Savoia”, in honor of the Italian royal house of the time they were created. In addition to their curious shape, the esse cookies are also distinguished by their fragrance, which pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or liqueur at dessert time.