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A white dessert plate filled with pizzicati, which are Italian pinch cookies filled with strawberry jam or nutella.
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5 from 1 vote

Pizzicati - Italian Pinch Cookies

Italian Pinch Cookies are thin shortbread cookies, filled with thick jam and lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. The subtle sweetness of these cookies make them perfect for all to enjoy!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time17 minutes
resting time28 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Christmas cookies, Italian cookies
Cuisine: dessert
Servings: 18
Calories: 76kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 125 grams
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder 2g
  • zest of half lemon
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar 30g
  • cup butter cold and cut into small cubes 60g
  • 1 egg yolk
  • cup strawberry or apricot jam — your favorite thick jam 80g

Instructions

  • Set aside one tablespoon of flour. Add the remaining flour into a a bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade, followed by the baking powder, lemon zest and powdered sugar, and mix briefly with several pulses. Add cubed butter and pulse again.
  • Once you have a sandy mixture, add the yolk and pulse several times. Transfer onto a working surface, slowly incorporate the remaining tablespoon of flour if necessary, and knead briefly until the dough comes together.
  • Transfer the ball onto a sheet of cling film, flatten it into a disk and wrap it well. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 170°C/340°F or with fan option on at 150°C/300°F. Arrange the baking tray onto the middle shelf.
  • Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll until the dough is approximately ⅛" thick. With a metal serving ring, cookie cutter or cup, cut circles about 2.5-inch/6cm in diameter.
  • Place half a teaspoon of jam in the center of each circle.
  • Bring the sides of the dough together as if to close the circle, and pinch the ends gently but firmly together to secure them.
  • Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake them for about 17 minutes or until golden on top. Remove them from the oven, then cool them on a baking rack.
  • Once completely cooled, sprinkle them with powdered sugar and serve them.

Notes

Please note that this baking recipe was tested with gram measurements, which are more accurate than cup measurements. US cup amounts are provided, but for best result in this recipe, please use a scale when measuring ingredients.
SUBSTITUTIONS
You can substitute the lemon zest with an equal amount of orange zest. For dairy-free cookies, substitute the butter with 50 ml of light extra-virgin olive oil.
HOW TO STORE RICOTTA COOKIES
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container or sealed jar. Keep them in a cool spot in your kitchen or in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
FREEZING TIPS
Place the cookies on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer them to a ziplock bag and freeze them for up to two months.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.4mg