Tozzetti (Hazelnut Cookies)
Try this Tozzetti Hazelnut Cookies recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tozzetti Hazelnut Cookies recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 28.8131111111111 g
- Cholesterol 58.75 mg
- Fat 1.46222222222222 g
- Fiber 0.226533337329825 g
- Protein 2.60882222222222 g
- Saturated Fat 0.443333333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (47g)
- Sodium 80.1396666666667 mg
- Sugar 28.5865777737813 g
- Trans Fat 0.258611111111111 g
- Calories 140 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly oil a large baking pan and dust with flour. Shake off excess flour.
- Combine the flour, sugar, eggs, lemon rind, liqueur and rum in a mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until thoroughly blended. Beat in the hazelnuts (or almonds) and baking powder.
- Using the hands, pick up half the dough and shape it into a long sausage shape. Arrange it on the prepared baking pan, off center and not too close to the edge of the pan. Arrange the other half alongside but not too close. Both masses will spread as they bake.
- Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from the pan and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Carefully and gently run a spatula or pancake turner under the 2 pastries.
- Let stand until almost at room temperature.
- Using a serrated bread knife cut each pastry into cross-wise slices, each about 1-inch thick. Arrange these in one layer on a baking sheet and return to the oven to dry out, about 10 minutes.
- Let cool and store. These cookies are improved if a little anisette or other anise-flavored liqueur is poured or brushed over them in advance of serving.
My Italian Nonna's Secret: Tozzetti (Hazelnut Cookies)
The aroma of warm, nutty cookies baking in the oven… there's nothing quite like it. For me, that smell instantly transports me back to my Nonna's kitchen in Italy. Sunlight streaming through the window, the gentle hum of conversation, and the irresistible scent of Tozzetti, those delightful hazelnut cookies that were always a special treat. Making them now brings back a flood of memories, each bite a tiny trip down memory lane.
Nonna's recipe wasn't written down; it was passed down through generations, a whispered secret shared between women in our family. It wasn't just a recipe; it was a tradition, a connection to our heritage. She’d always hum a little Italian song as she worked, her hands moving with practiced ease, a symphony of flour, sugar, and nuts. I remember watching, mesmerized, as she transformed simple ingredients into something truly magical.
These aren't just ordinary cookies; they're crispy, crunchy, and subtly sweet, with the warm, earthy notes of hazelnuts dancing on your tongue. The delicate hint of anise adds a surprising complexity, a little touch of sophistication that elevates the taste beyond the ordinary. And the texture? Oh, the texture! They're delightfully crisp on the outside, with just a hint of chewiness within. They're perfect for dunking in a glass of milk, alongside a steaming cup of espresso, or simply enjoyed on their own as a delightful afternoon snack.
Making Tozzetti is more than just following a recipe; it's a process of mindful creation. It’s the feeling of the dough between your fingers, the satisfaction of shaping the long, elegant rolls, and the anticipation of watching them bake to a perfect golden brown. It's about slowing down, taking your time, and appreciating the simple pleasures of creating something delicious with your own two hands.
This recipe has become a treasured part of my own family traditions, a way to honor my Nonna's legacy and share the warmth and joy of her kitchen with my own children. Every time I bake Tozzetti, I feel her presence, hear her humming in my ear, and taste the love that she poured into each and every one of her creations. I hope you'll try this recipe, and if you do, maybe it will become a treasured part of your family traditions too. The experience of making these cookies—the sights, sounds, and smells—will enrich your day in ways that go beyond simply eating a delicious cookie.
More than just a recipe, Tozzetti represent a connection to family, to heritage, and to the simple joy of baking. I encourage you to embrace the process, to savor each step, and to share the delicious results with those you love. Enjoy!
