LEMON-GLAZED SICILIAN TARALLI COOKIES

There are sweets that exist only one month a year, only in the heart of that Sicily far from the sea: these are the Sicilian taralli, the typical sweets of the Feast of the Dead.

Sicilian taralli cannot be ascribed to any category of sweets: they are not cookies, they are not pastries, they are not cupcakes.

They are precisely taralli.

Unique, gluttonous, hard on the outside and tender on the inside that know how to conquer with their sweetness and inimitable flavor.

In our Sicilian Lemon Tarallo, sugar and lemon come together to form a firm, sweet and fresh glaze that covers a crumbly, mouth-watering dough.

Why Love Sicilian Lemon Taralli?

• One-of-a-Kind Sweet: Neither cookie nor pastry, Sicilian taralli stand in a class of their own.
• Perfect Texture: Hard on the outside, tender on the inside, with a melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
• Heritage Delight: Celebrate Sicily’s rich culinary tradition with these festive treats.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling and Glazing Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

Makes about 8 taralli

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
• Lemon zest (to taste)
• A pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Glaze

• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
• Lemon peel (to taste)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Dissolve the baking powder in 2 tablespoons of warm milk.
2. In a bowl, place the flour, forming a well in the center. Add the egg, sugar, softened butter, salt, lemon zest, and the baking powder mixture.
3. Gradually add the remaining milk while kneading the ingredients until you achieve a smooth, slightly soft dough.
4. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Shape the Taralli

1. Divide the dough into small balls, about 25g each.
2. Roll each ball into a thin string, twist two strings together, and form a doughnut shape.
3. Arrange the taralli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake the Taralli

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the taralli for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine the superfine sugar and water. Heat until the temperature reaches 230°F (110°C) or until the syrup forms a thread when pinched between your fingers.
2. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a bowl. Add grated lemon peel and a few drops of lemon juice (optional).
3. Whisk vigorously until the glaze turns white and thickens slightly.

5. Glaze the Taralli

1. Dip each tarallo into the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Work quickly, as the glaze will harden fast.
2. Place the glazed taralli on a wire rack or parchment paper to dry completely.

Tips and Suggestions

• Alternative Flavoring: Add orange zest or vanilla extract to the dough for a twist.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Double the Batch: These are so irresistible, consider doubling the recipe for sharing!

Nutritional Facts (Per Tarallo)

Savor the taste of Sicily with these Sicilian Lemon Taralli, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or as a sweet indulgence for yourself!