Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that bridges the gap between remembrance and indulgence with Pan dei Morti, the legendary "Bread of the Dead" cookies that have captivated Italian hearts for generations. These aren't just ordinary cookies - they're a delectable piece of cultural heritage that will transport your taste buds to the cobblestone streets of Italy, where every bite tells a story of family, tradition, and sweet remembrance. If you're ready to unlock a recipe that's equal parts mystical and mouthwatering, you've come to the right place!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Lightly press down each cookie to flatten them slightly, as they will not spread much during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch and have a slight sheen on top.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
- Storage Secrets: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container and consider placing a piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
- Powder Sugar Perfection: If dusting with powdered sugar, wait until cookies are completely cool to prevent absorption and maintain that classic snowy appearance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
