WINE COOKIES: GRANDMOTHERS’ FAVORITE RECIPE

Ciambelline al Vino are a traditional sweet treat from Lazio, Italy, perfect for any occasion. These crunchy, aromatic cookies are simple to make and pair wonderfully with a glass of wine or coffee. Their light sweetness and delicate texture make them irresistible—one leads to another!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour with pantry staples.
• Versatile Flavor: Use red or white wine for different flavor profiles.
• Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh in a tin for up to three weeks.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Makes: About 20 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅖ cup (about 7 tablespoons) sunflower oil (or other oil of your choice)
• ⅖ cup (about 7 tablespoons) red wine (or substitute with white wine)
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (plus 3–4 tablespoons for sprinkling)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Method

Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the oil and wine.
• Mix with a spoon until the liquids are absorbed, then knead with your hands to form a soft dough. Add a pinch of flour if the dough is too sticky.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Shape the Cookies:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) static mode. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Break off 1-ounce pieces of dough and roll them into strands about 4–5 inches long. Shape each strand into a doughnut.
• Coat each doughnut in granulated sugar on all sides and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Ciambelline:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Flavor: Try different wines, such as sweet white wine for a milder taste or red wine for a robust flavor.
• Uniform Sizes: Ensure even baking by keeping the doughnuts uniform in size.
• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight tin for up to three weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)

These Ciambelline al Vino are a delightful Italian tradition that brings a rustic charm to your table.

Perfect for dunking or savoring on their own, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite.

Buon appetito!