Discover the art of making Perfect Nascondini Cookies, a delightful Italian-inspired treat that pairs a friable, butter-free pastry with a rich, creamy hazelnut center. These cookies are crafted to provide a unique taste experience by freezing before baking, ensuring that the pastry remains wonderfully crisp and the filling lusciously creamy. Ideal for those avoiding lactose, these cookies do not compromise on flavor or texture.
Why You'll Love This:
Nascondini cookies are a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. The secret of freezing the cookies before baking transforms the dough into a perfectly crisp shell, encasing a melt-in-your-mouth hazelnut cream center. Whether you prefer the classic version or a more chocolate-rich variant, these cookies are adaptable and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. They are also great for make-ahead preparations, ready to be baked whenever you need a quick dessert or a delightful treat.
Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a sophisticated treat at a coffee break, pack them for a delightful picnic dessert, or present them at a tea party. They are also excellent for festive celebrations like Christmas or Easter, where they can be enjoyed by guests who prefer lactose-free options. The elegant appearance and exquisite taste of Nascondini make them a wonderful gift or a special treat for yourself.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a dark chocolate glaze after baking. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle some finely chopped hazelnuts over the chocolate for added texture and flavor. Presenting them on a decorative plate or in a beautiful cookie box can enhance their appeal, making them even more irresistible.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (300g for traditional or 280g with 15g of cocoa for chocolate dough)
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
- Sugar of choice (120g)
- Extra virgin olive oil (80g)
- Lactose-free hazelnut cream
Instructions:
- Begin by whisking the eggs with sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the olive oil, followed by the flour (and cocoa if making chocolate dough), and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and place a dollop of hazelnut cream in the center of each cookie. Carefully seal the edges.
- Freeze the shaped cookies to maintain the texture of the dough and the creaminess of the filling.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (347 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the cookies are crispy and golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly before handling or cutting into them.
Enjoy these heavenly Nascondini Cookies, a true testament to the magic of simple, thoughtful baking!
