Anginetti Recipe

Have you ever bitten into a soft, crumbly cookie bursting with bright lemon flavor and then finished with a sweet, tangy glaze? If so, you might be familiar with the delightful Italian treat called Anginetti.

What Is The Anginetti?

Anginetti, also known as Italian lemon drop cookies or Italian wedding cookies, are delicious little treats that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed. Beat for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, producing lovely, light cookies.
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients: One at a time, beat in the eggs, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. Then, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The mixture might appear slightly curdled, but that’s perfectly fine.
3. Dry Ingredients Make Their Entrance: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. Chilling Out: The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle.
5. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Shaping the Cookies: Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking. Portion the dough into small, rounded balls using a spoon or cookie scoop. Aim for a size slightly smaller than a golf ball. You can gently roll the balls in your hands for a smoother shape.
7. Baking Time: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still be soft but firm up as they cool.
8. Cooling Down: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before glazing. This helps prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.
9. Making the Glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until you reach the desired consistency – it should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still pourable.
10. Glazing the Beauties: Dip the tops into the glaze once the cookies are fantastic. Let the excess drip back into the bowl, and then place the cookies on a wire rack to set. The glaze will harden as it dries.

Tips :

• Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice are crucial to achieving that bright, citrusy flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t do!
• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, resist the urge to overmix the dough. This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, then stop.
• Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough is an important step. It allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender cookie. Take advantage of this step!
• Baking Time is Crucial: Don’t overbake the cookies. They should be lightly golden brown on the edges but soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.

What To Serve With

• Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea is a timeless pairing for cookies. The warm beverage cuts through the sweetness of the Anginetti and provides a lovely contrast in temperature.
• Milk: It can be enjoyed with a cold glass of milk, especially for younger palates. The milk complements the sweetness of the cookies and creates a delightful and familiar combination.
• Sparkling Wine or Prosecco: The light bubbles and acidity of sparkling wine or Prosecco cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the lemon flavor of the Anginetti. This pairing elevates the cookie to a more sophisticated level, making it perfect for brunch or afternoon tea parties.
• Fresh Berries: A platter of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a pop of color, freshness, and a touch of tartness to complement the sweetness of the Anginetti.
• Fruit Salad: A light salad with seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and pineapple pairs beautifully with Anginetti. This option provides a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to the cookies.
• Cheese Plate: It can be served as part of a cheese plate. Choose a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavors, such as mild goat cheese, creamy brie, or a sharp cheddar. The combination of sweet and savory creates a delightful contrast in taste and texture.
• Savory Appetizers: If you’re serving Anginetti as part of an appetizer spread, consider pairing them with delicious bites like mini quiches, bruschetta, or vegetable spring rolls. This creates a more balanced selection for your guests.
• Italian-Themed Party: For a full-blown Italian experience, serve Anginetti alongside other classic Italian desserts like biscotti, cannoli, or panna cotta.
• Christmas Cookie Platter: Since it is a famous Christmas cookie in Italy, they’re a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. Include other festive cookies like gingerbread, sugar, and shortbread for a delightful variety.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Antioxidants: Anginetti cookies often contain lemon zest or lemon juice, which are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
• Mood Booster: The scent and flavor of lemon in Anginetti cookies can have mood-boosting effects. Citrus aromas are known to have uplifting properties, promoting feelings of happiness and reducing stress and anxiety.
• Energy Source: Anginetti cookies typically contain carbohydrates from flour and sugar, providing a quick energy source. While excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, enjoying Anginetti cookies in moderation can provide a slight energy boost without causing significant blood sugar fluctuations.

Final Thoughts

Anginetti is a delightful treat that is sure to impress your taste buds. Their soft, crumbly texture, vibrant lemon flavor, and sweet glaze are a delicious way to end a meal, enjoy a sweet snack, or share with loved ones.

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