Sardinian Papassini

Sardinian Papassini are traditional sweets prepared for All Saints’ Day and Christmas. Here is a recipe to make Papassini at home:

Ingredients

• 500 g of all-purpose flour
• 150 g of granulated sugar
• 100 g of lard or butter
• 1 whole egg and 1 yolk
• 100 ml of dry white wine
• 1 packet of baking powder for sweets
• Grated peel of 1 lemon
• 100 g of toasted almonds
• 50 g of walnuts
• 50 g of toasted hazelnuts
• 50 g of raisins
• Candied fruit in small pieces as required (optional)
• Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, pour the flour creating a well and add the sugar, the whole egg, the yolk, the softened lard or butter, the white wine, and the grated lemon peel in the center. Start to knead the ingredients with your hands or with a fork.
2. While kneading, incorporate the baking powder and continue to work until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
3. At this point, add the almonds, walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped hazelnuts, raisins, and if using, the candied fruit. Blend all the ingredients well until they are evenly distributed in the dough.
4. Take portions of dough and form oval or rectangular-shaped cookies, about 5-7 cm in length.
5. Arrange the Papassini on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
7. Once baked, let them cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Curiosity

Papassini are named after the Sardinian word “papassa” meaning raisin, one of the characteristic ingredients of these cookies. There are various versions throughout Sardinia, some of which include the addition of spices such as cinnamon or anise depending on local traditions.