Dreamy Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies Recipe for Sweet Fans

Pizza-loving friends often stumble upon pizzicati, a delightful Italian pinch cookie that whispers sweet memories of nonna’s kitchen.

Soft and crumbly, these treats melt faster than snowflakes on warm palms.

Delicate almond notes dance through each tender morsel, creating a symphony of comfort.

Generations have cherished this simple yet magnificent recipe passed down through whispered family secrets.

Butter and sugar combine in a magical alchemy that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crisp edges and powdery centers make pizzicati irresistible companions to afternoon espresso or midnight snacking adventures.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly bite of these enchanting cookies that connect generations through pure culinary joy.

Why You’ll Love Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies

• Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories together while making these charming Italian cookies, perfect for involving kids in the kitchen and teaching them a fun baking technique.
• Minimal Skill Required: Beginner bakers can easily master this recipe with simple steps, basic ingredients, and straightforward pinching method that doesn't demand professional pastry skills.
• Versatile Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry to customize these delicate cookies and surprise taste buds with each batch.
• Quick Weekend Treat: Whip up these elegant cookies in under an hour, making them an ideal spontaneous dessert for weekend gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredient Essentials for Pizzicati Pinch Cookies

• Flour: The primary base for creating the delicate cookie texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the tender crumb of the cookies.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more delicate cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise slightly and maintain a light structure.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the cookie dough.

• Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and tender cookie base.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the dough.

• Jam: Provides a sweet and fruity center for the pinch cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the cookies after baking, adding a delicate sweet finish.

Stepwise Guide to Baking Pizzicati Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and lemon zest until perfectly blended.

The lemon zest will add a bright, zesty kick to your cookies.

Step 2: Merge Wet and Dry Components

Introduce softened butter, vanilla extract, and an egg to your dry ingredient mixture.

Start mixing on low speed, gradually ramping up until a smooth, cohesive dough emerges.

The dough should feel soft and pliable.

Step 3: Chill Dough for Perfection

Encase the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for one hour.

This chilling time helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Roll and Cut with Precision

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a delicate thickness just under 1/4 inch.

Use a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to create perfect circular bases for your pizzicati.

Step 5: Create Jammy Centers

Place a small dollop of jam right in the center of each cookie circle.

Gently pinch the sides together, leaving the ends slightly open to create the signature pizzicati shape.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your shaped cookies to a baking sheet.

Slide into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 12-14 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden color on the bottom of the cookies.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Dust generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like coating that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible.

Tips for Authentic, Buttery Italian Pinch Cookies

• Use leveled measuring cups for flour and powdered sugar to ensure consistent cookie texture and prevent dry or dense results.
• Keep dough refrigerated for the full hour to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
• Choose thick, high-quality fruit preserves that won't leak during baking; avoid runny or watery jams.
• Use light touches when pinching cookie edges to maintain delicate shape and prevent jam from squeezing out.
• Let cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting and ensure an even, elegant finish.

New Twists for Italian Pizzicati Cookie Dough

• Gluten-Free Pizzicati: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate texture.
• Vegan Pinch Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular egg to create a plant-based alternative.
• Fruit Swap Pizzicati: Experiment with different jam fillings like raspberry, apricot, or fig for unique flavor combinations.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's classic taste.

Serve Pizzicati Cookies for Coffee or Dessert

• Sweet Teatime Companion: Pair these delicate Italian cookies with a warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a traditional European afternoon treat.
• Fruit Pairing Delight: Serve alongside fresh berries or a light raspberry coulis to complement the jam-filled centers and enhance the delicate lemon zest flavor.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate with other Italian pastries like biscotti or cannoli for a stunning dessert presentation that celebrates Italian baking traditions.
• Holiday Gift Inspiration: Package these beautiful cookies in clear gift bags with ribbon, making them a charming homemade present for friends and family during special occasions.

Best Storage for Italian Pinch Cookies After Baking

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent jam from spoiling.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. This method helps restore their crisp texture and brings out the warm jam flavor. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy cookies.

FAQs

• What are pizzicati cookies?

Pizzicati are traditional Italian pinch cookies made with a buttery, delicate dough and filled with fruit jam, then pinched together to create a unique shape.

• Can I use different types of jam for these cookies?

Yes, you can use any jam you prefer like raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or fig jam. Choose a high-quality jam for the best flavor.

• How difficult are these cookies to make?

These cookies are relatively easy to make. The key steps are chilling the dough, rolling it thin, and carefully pinching the edges to create the classic pizzicati shape.

• Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, makes the dough easier to handle, and allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a more tender cookie.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian heritage shines through Pizzicati, delicate pinch cookies that whisper generations of family tradition. Buttery, crumbly, and elegantly simple, these cookies invite warmth and connection with each tender, lovingly crafted bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons (141 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup strawberry jam (or preferred flavor)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a delicate blend of dry ingredients by whisking flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and vibrant lemon zest in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Incorporate softened butter, fragrant vanilla, and a single egg into the dry mixture. Gradually blend on low speed, then accelerate until a smooth, cohesive dough emerges.
3. Encase the dough completely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to firm and enhance flavor development.
4. Gently roll out the chilled dough to a delicate thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. Precisely cut circular shapes using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter.
5. Delicately place a small dollop of jam in the center of each cookie circle. Carefully pinch the sides together, allowing the ends to remain slightly open, creating a characteristic pinched shape.
6. Arrange the shaped cookies on a prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-14 minutes, watching for a golden-brown base that indicates perfect doneness.
7. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack. Once completely cooled, generously dust with a light layer of powdered sugar, creating an elegant, frost-like finish.

Notes

• Cold butter works best, so remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to soften perfectly.
• Choose thick, high-quality jam with low moisture to prevent soggy cookie centers during baking.
• Try different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or fig for unique taste variations.
• Ensure even dough thickness by using rolling pin guide rings or rolling between parchment paper for consistent cookie size.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 96 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg