Imagine biting into a cookie that transports you straight to the charming streets of Italy, where rich chocolate meets warm, aromatic spices in a single, heavenly bite. These Easy Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies are not just a dessert; they're a culinary adventure that combines traditional Italian baking techniques with a modern twist. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies promise to become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create uniform shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies appear slightly cracked on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughness.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which ensures even baking and professional-looking results.
- Spice Intensity: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. For a more pronounced spice flavor, you can slightly increase these quantities.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
