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+ servings
image of all purpose flour cornstarch powdered sugar butter egg baking powder vanilla extract lemon zest salt strawberry jam clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets white marble kitchen counter soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies

These Italian pinch cookies, filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar, offer a crispy buttery crust that yields to a sweet center, perfect for family baking and holiday gifting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 80

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon Lemon zest fresh
  • 1/2 cup Jam strawberry, apricot, or preferred flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • - Whisk
  • - Spatula
  • Rolling Pin
  • Round cookie cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture and beat until incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
  7. Place a small dollop of jam in the center of each round. Fold two sides of the dough toward the center and pinch firmly to seal the jam inside.
  8. Place the pinched cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 4g

Notes

These cookies are forgiving and great for kids to help with poisoning. For best results, use a high-quality butter and don't overfill with jam to prevent leaking. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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