Description
These melt-in-your-mouth Italian shortbread cookies, known as Biscotti di Pasta Frolla, are buttery, delicate, and slightly crisp. Perfect with tea or coffee, they have a light sweetness and a rich, crumbly texture that makes them absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until the dough just comes together—avoid overworking it.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thick and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on the baking sheet, sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Butter Matters: Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies tender and flaky.
- Chilling is Key: Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the buttery texture.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding almond extract (½ teaspoon) for a nutty flavor or replace lemon zest with orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Dip or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 cookies
- Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie