Pizzicati, also known as Italian Pinch Cookies, are a delightful combination of buttery shortbread dough and sweet jam filling. This classic Italian cookie is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a sweet snack. The dough, made with a blend of flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and lemon zest, is infused with vanilla and bound by a single egg and softened butter for a soft, rich texture. After chilling, the dough is rolled out and cut into circles, then filled with a dollop of strawberry or your favorite jam before being pinched into their signature shape. Baking at 350°F results in cookies with a golden bottom and a delicate crumbly bite. Once cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar completes the treat.
Pizzicati, also known as Italian Pinch Cookies, bring together a buttery shortbread dough with a delightful jam filling to create a sweet and satisfying bite. These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is slightly crumbly, offering a classic Italian treat perfect for any celebration. The dough is made using a blend of flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest, lending a touch of brightness to the rich, buttery base. Vanilla extract and a single egg enhance the flavor, while softened butter ensures a cohesive and soft dough that's easy to handle once chilled.
INGREDIENTS
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (plus extra for dusting)
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup, for a delicate texture
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp, for a light lift
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds a bright citrus flavor
- Unsalted butter: 10 tbsp, softened
- Vanilla extract: 1 1/2 tsp for flavor
- Large egg: 1
- Strawberry jam: 1/3 cup, or your preferred flavor
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and lemon zest.
- Step 2:
- Add softened butter, vanilla, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix on low, then increase speed until a cohesive dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- Step 4:
- Roll dough to less than 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut circles.
- Step 5:
- Place a small amount of jam in the center of each circle. Pinch sides together, leaving ends open.
- Step 6:
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until bottoms are golden.
- Step 7:
- Cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- For a festive touch, vary the jam flavors with apricot, raspberry, or fig jam.
Helpful Notes
- Chill the dough well to ensure easy handling and better shape retention during baking.
- Be careful not to overfill the cookies with jam to prevent leakage.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Maria suggests using high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- To prevent spreading, ensure your dough is cold when placing it in the oven.
Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Pizzicati cookies make for a perfect sweet treat at holidays or as a lovely afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
Traditional Italian Shortbread Made Easy
With a simple yet elegant dough and a touch of your favorite jam, these cookies are a timeless favorite, capturing Italian tradition in every bite.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and chill it overnight.
What other fillings can I use?
Try apricot, raspberry, or fig jam, or even hazelnut spread for a twist.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents spreading.
How should I store the cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Summary
Pizzicati, or Italian Pinch Cookies, are a beloved classic in Italian baking. Made from a soft and buttery shortbread dough, these cookies are carefully filled with a small dollop of jam and then gently pinched to form their unique shape. The dough incorporates flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar for a crumbly texture, while lemon zest offers a hint of brightness. Softened butter, vanilla, and an egg are mixed in to create a rich and cohesive dough that chills before shaping. After rolling, cutting, filling, and baking, the cookies are cooled and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a sweet center, perfect for celebrations, teatime, or gifting. With a texture that's both crumbly and tender, these cookies capture the essence of traditional Italian confections.