Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)

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.

Pin it

Conclusion

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.