Italian Pinch Cookies
Introduction to Italian Pinch Cookies
Italian Pinch Cookies, also known as Baci di Dama, are a classic Italian treat that combines a delicate, buttery cookie with a sweet strawberry jam center. The dough is made from simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and unsalted butter, which come together to create a soft, crumbly texture. The lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the rich, buttery flavor.
These cookies are traditionally made for special occasions, but their ease of preparation makes them perfect for everyday snacking or gifting. The strawberry jam filling not only adds sweetness but also creates a beautiful contrast against the neutral-colored cookies. With each bite, you’ll experience a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both tender and light.
What makes Italian Pinch Cookies so special is their simplicity and versatility. They require minimal ingredients but deliver exceptional flavor, making them an ideal treat for both novice and seasoned bakers. The cookies can be enjoyed as they are, or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Italian Pinch Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or a casual afternoon tea. They can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making them a great option for meal prep or as a homemade gift. The sweet and tart combination of the strawberry jam and buttery cookies will surely delight anyone who tries them.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Italian Pinch Cookies Recipe – Soft, Sweet, and Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Pinch Cookies are a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a hint of lemon zest and a sweet strawberry jam filling. These cookies are perfect for a light dessert or for gifting during the holidays. The buttery dough is easy to make and forms little pockets of sweet jam in the center, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. They are lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (215 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam (or any jam of your choice)
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add the lemon zest and stir to combine.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the vanilla extract and egg until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too soft, you can chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Form the cookies:
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Add the jam:
Fill each indentation with a small amount of strawberry jam (about 1/2 teaspoon per cookie). Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may spill out during baking.
Bake the cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden around the edges.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar:
Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve the Italian Pinch Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or simply enjoy them as a delightful dessert.
Notes
- These cookies can be filled with any jam you like—raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist.
- If you prefer a firmer dough, you can refrigerate the dough for longer before shaping the cookies.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness of the jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Italian Pinch Cookies
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add the lemon zest and stir to combine.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter with the vanilla extract until creamy and light in texture. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and fill: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, spread a small amount of strawberry jam on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Optionally, dust the finished cookies with extra powdered sugar for a refined touch.
Advanced Techniques For Italian Pinch Cookies
While Italian Pinch Cookies are simple, there are a few techniques you can use to enhance your baking experience and improve the final product. One of the most important aspects of making these cookies is achieving the perfect dough consistency. Here are some tips:
Chill the Dough:
After mixing the dough, it’s helpful to chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This will prevent the dough from spreading too much while baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
Use Room Temperature Butter:
Make sure the unsalted butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the vanilla extract. This ensures that the butter blends smoothly into the sugar, which is key to achieving that light, airy texture in the final cookie.
Rolling the Dough:
When rolling the dough into balls, make sure they are uniform in size for consistent baking. If you prefer, you can use a cookie scoop to make this step easier. This also ensures that the cookies are the same size and cook evenly.
Use Quality Jam:
For the strawberry jam filling, using a high-quality, thick jam ensures that it won’t ooze out of the cookies while baking. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own jam, though store-bought will work perfectly.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Italian Pinch Cookies are best stored in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. After baking and filling the cookies with strawberry jam, allow them to cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming, which could soften the delicate cookies.
Shelf Life:
These cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating:
While these cookies are typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 5-10 minutes if you prefer them a bit softer.
Maintain Freshness:
To maintain the cookies’ freshness, make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them exposed to air for extended periods of time, as this can cause them to become stale.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Italian Pinch Cookies can be easily adapted to fit various dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are a few options:
Gluten-Free Italian Pinch Cookies:
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum, as this will help with the texture of the dough.
Dairy-Free Italian Pinch Cookies:
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative in place of the unsalted butter. You can also opt for a dairy-free strawberry jam to ensure the cookies meet your dietary needs.
Low-Sugar:
To reduce the sugar content, use a sugar substitute that is suitable for baking, such as Stevia or Erythritol. You can also use unsweetened strawberry jam to cut down on the sweetness.
FAQs About Italian Pinch Cookies
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes! While strawberry jam is traditional, you can substitute with other fruit jams like raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd. Just make sure the jam is thick enough to hold up inside the cookies.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
While not mandatory, chilling the dough for 30 minutes will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving them a better texture and appearance.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. If they start to turn too brown, take them out immediately to avoid overbaking.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Italian Pinch Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a sweet strawberry jam filling. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them perfect for any occasion. With a touch of lemon zest and vanilla extract, these cookies offer a deliciously light flavor that will leave your guests craving more. Whether for holidays, gifting, or casual snacking, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Try them today and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite!