AFFOGAGATTI: APULIAN DELICIOUS ICED COOKIES

Very simple to make and ideal for snack or breakfast, perhaps next to a cup of tea or milk.

They melt in the mouth, made of a shortbread dough in which we also put milk, which makes them unique in flavor, the shortbread very soft and fragrant.

The affogagatti cookies are covered with the delicate and fragrant lemon glaze, in short, you absolutely must try them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fragrant: The milk in the dough ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Zesty Lemon Glaze: A sweet and citrusy topping adds a refreshing touch.
• Traditional Apulian Delight: A taste of authentic Italian pastry culture.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 14 oz all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 3 ½ oz unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 4 ¼ oz granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ⅓ fl oz (2 ⅔ tbsp) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• ¼ oz (8 g) baking powder

For the Glaze:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3.2 oz (⅔ cup) icing sugar
• 1 ⅔ fl oz (3 ⅓ tbsp) Italian grappa (or substitute with Cointreau)

Method

Prepare the Dough:

1. Melt the butter with the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved.
2. On a pastry board, mix the flour, vanilla powder, and baking powder. Create a well in the center and pour in the beaten eggs.
3. Gradually add the melted butter mixture, drawing in the flour from the edges of the well. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

Shape and Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Divide the dough into cylinders about 4–5 inches (10–12 cm) long. Flatten slightly and shape into coils.
3. Place the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for about 10 minutes, ensuring the surface remains pale. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine icing sugar and ½ cup (120 ml) water. Bring to a gentle boil over low heat for 1 minute.
2. Add the lemon juice and grappa (or liqueur) and boil for another minute.

Glaze the Cookies:

1. Brush the glaze generously over the cooled cookies.
2. For best results, dry the glazed cookies in a warm oven.

Notes

• Flavor Variations: For a colorful touch, divide the glaze and add food coloring to create vibrant cookies.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these cookies with tea or as an after-dinner treat.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips for Success

• Soft Dough: The dough should be soft but not sticky; add a pinch of flour if needed.
• Gentle Baking: Do not let the cookies brown; their delicate texture depends on low, consistent heat.
• Thicker Glaze: Boil the glaze longer if a thicker coating is desired.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Affogagatti Cookies are a flavorful tribute to Apulian tradition. With their tender crumb and refreshing glaze, they’re a treat for both the palate and the soul. Perfect for sharing or indulging, they bring a slice of Italy to your table. Buon appetito!