Neapolitan Christmas Mustaccioli Cookies (Mostaccioli)
Neapolitan Mustaccioli, also known as Mostaccioli, are the iconic spiced cookies of Naples, traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season.
With their soft interior and a crunchy coating of dark chocolate, these rhombus-shaped treats bring the warmth of spices and citrus to every bite.
The name “Mustaccioli” comes from the resemblance of their diamond shape to the mustache (“mustacc”) worn by gentlemen in ancient times.
Enjoy this sweet slice of history and tradition with every cookie!
Why you will love this recipe
- Rich flavor: A delicious combination of cocoa, spices and citrus zest.
- Festive charm: Perfect for Christmas or any holiday celebration.
- Prepare in advance: The dough rests overnight, allowing the flavors to develop to their fullest.
- Crispy chocolate shell: Dark chocolate coating adds a satisfying crunch.
Cooking Time and Servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (+ overnight refrigeration)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding refrigeration)
- Yield: 16 to 20 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 + 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup toasted chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander seeds, anise seed, cloves)
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp + 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp + 1 tsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp apricot jam
- Orange zest as needed
Coating:
- 1 + 1/2 cup dark chocolate
METHOD:
1. Combine the flour with the sugar
2. Add in the cocoa powder, orange zest, chopped almonds, mixed ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander seeds, anise seed,cloves) and baking powder.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the water, orange juice and honey.
4. Using your hands, work the flour until it turns into a soft dough. Wrap in a cling film and leave to refrigerate for the entire night.
5. Next day take the dough from the refrigerator and lay it on the counter top. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough and cut diamond shapes with the help of a sharp knife. Trim off the excess dough and roll it again to make more cookies.
6. Dissolve the apricot jam in the water. Apply this mixture on the cookies using a pastry brush.
7. Place the biscotti on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 15 minutes.
Melt the dark chocolate. Dip each biscuit in the melted chocolate. Leave to sit in the fridge for at least an hour. Serve with coffee or tea.
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
Tips for Perfect Mustaccioli
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Overnight Rest: This enhances the flavor profile and helps the dough maintain its shape.
- Customizable Spices: Adjust the spice blend to your liking, or experiment with cardamom or allspice.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer freshness.
These Neapolitan Mustaccioli are a celebration of tradition and taste, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays. Buon appetito!
Facebook Comments Box
