Delicious Wine Cookies Recipe: Perfect for Evening Snacks
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Wine Cookies! These cookies are a classic Italian treat, known as ciambelle al vino or ciambelle al vino rosso, and they are one of my favorite confections to make.
There is nothing quite like the earthy aroma of wine and butter that fills your kitchen when making these delectable treats. With a rustic appearance, crispy texture, and sweet flavor, these cookies have been loved for generations in Italy.
And now it’s your opportunity to make them at home. Don’t worry; this recipe is easy to follow, so you don’t need to be an expert baker to achieve perfect results. Plus, these cookies require only a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
So grab a good bottle of dry red or white wine, put on some relaxing music, and let’s start baking! Whether you have a sweet tooth or searching for something new to try, Wine Cookies are worth tasting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Welcome to the ultimate dessert – wine cookies! If you’re a fan of sweets and wine, then this recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also possess a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
One of the best things about these wine cookies is their versatility. You can use any type of wine you like – red, white, or even sweet – to achieve a completely different flavor profile each time. Imagine the deep and complex notes of a dry red wine, or the sweet and fruity aroma of a white wine baked into a tasty cookie. The possibilities are truly endless.
Aside from being delicious, these biscuits have a rustic and traditional look and feel that will surely transport you to Italy with just one bite. They make for the perfect addition to your tea or coffee break with friends and family or as an after-dinner treat.
Finally, this Italian recipe has been passed on for generations and has been perfected over time so you can be assured that you’re getting a tried-and-tested recipe that’s guaranteed to hit all the right notes.
What are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience these delicious cookies for yourself.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the Ingredients you will need for this delicious recipe:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of sweet white wine or dry red wine (recommended: Primitivo red wine or Vino Rosso red wine)
- 1 tablespoon of anise seed or honey (optional)
Note: If you’re in Italy, you might come across the cookies known as ciambelle al vino or ciambelline al vino. Both are traditional Italian wine biscuits that are made using dry red Italian wine, such as Chianti, but any dry red wine will work. The dry white Italian wine used is also known as Taralli in Italy.
These easy to make and rustic looking Italian cookies are also called turdilli, depending on the region in Italy you visit – but no matter what they’re called, they all have one thing in common: they’re incredibly delicious!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
To make these original Italian wine cookies, start by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In another large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the Wine
Next, add in 1 cup of sweet red wine to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Using your hands, form the dough into small balls or rings (ciambelle or ciambelline) depending on your preference.
Step 6: Bake in Oven
Place each cookie on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Finish with Honey-Anise Mixture
While still warm, brush each cookie with a honey-anise mixture (made by melting a tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of anise seed) to give it that traditional Italian twist.
These easy-to-make wine cookies original Italian recipe are rustic looking and taste incredible!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to try something different with this wine cookie recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make.
Firstly, you can replace the dry red wine with sweet wine or white wine for a different flavor profile. You will get a fruitier and lighter taste in your cookies if you go with white wine, while if you choose a sweet wine like Al vino, your cookies will have a more distinct sweetness.
You can also switch out the type of flour used in the recipe. All-purpose flour works just fine, but you can use cake flour for a softer texture or wheat flour for a heartier taste.
For those who want to avoid using butter in their baking, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or olive oil. The difference between butter and oil is that butter adds richness to the dish while oil adds moisture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some anise seeds or even honey into the dough mixture to give a unique flavor. Anise seeds add a licorice-flavored kick while honey gives natural sweetness from organic sources. These variations are perfect for creating rustic-looking Italian biscuits that everyone will love.
Remember that these substitutions and variations may alter the final outcome of the cookies, so keep an eye on them while they’re baking so they don’t burn or come out too dry. With these options, be creative and experiment until you find the perfect wine cookie recipe that suits your palate!
Serving and Pairing
If you’re looking for the perfect pairing for these sweet and savory Italian wine cookies, look no further than a glass of your favorite sweet or dry red wine. These cookies are ideal with a glass of bold and fruity Primitivo red or a dry Chianti. The wine complements the anise flavor in the cookies while cutting through their sweetness, creating a harmonious balance that is sure to impress.
Alternatively, you could also pair these cookies with a glass of white wine, like an Italian Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. The crisp acidity of the white wine will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich buttery texture of these cookies.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverage options, try serving these cookies alongside a steaming cup of strong coffee, espresso or tea.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these Italian wine cookies is by dunking them in sweet dessert wine, like Vin Santo or Moscato d’Asti. The combination of flavors and aromas creates an unforgettable indulgence that is perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or simply indulging in them on their own as an afternoon snack, these Italian wine cookies are sure to impress. With their rustic charm and buttery taste, they’re the perfect way to experience Italy’s rich culinary heritage right from your own kitchen.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Italian wine cookies, the good news is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption without compromising their quality. Once you have baked your wine cookies, wait for them to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Another option is to freeze your wine cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. This way, you can easily reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes when you are ready to serve them.
If you have already frosted your wine cookies, keeping them at room temperature may cause the frosting or glaze to melt or become sticky. Therefore, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them, ensuring that they are covered with a plastic wrap or foil paper.
Keep in mind that these sweet treats tend to dry out pretty quickly once exposed to air. So be sure to consume within three days of baking and frosting or glazing it.
In summary, whether you choose to store wine cookies at room temperature or keep them in the fridge, make sure they are in an airtight container or well-wrapped. That way, they’ll remain fresh and flavorful for longer periods of time.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make your wine cookies perfect, here are some tips that can help you have the best baking experience.
Firstly, it is essential to ensure that all ingredients are present before starting to avoid any complications while preparing. The recipe ingredients consist of dry red or white wine, salt, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter or olive oil. The measurements should be precise to prevent any taste differences in your cookies.
Secondly, when mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough, it’s best to use a bowl with high sides to avoid spillage. Add dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and baking powder gradually to wet ingredients like wine and olive oil or butter.
Thirdly, ensure that the dough is mixed well until a smooth texture forms. Dough that’s too sticky or too dry will alter the cookie’s texture and affect its taste. If the dough is too sticky, add little by little some flour until the correct consistency is attained.
Fourthly, when making wine cookies ciambelline al vino or ciambelle al vino with anise seeds, roll out your dough into rustic-looking circles or to form an “O” shape before baking. Ensure that all the cookies are of equal size for them to cook uniformly.
Fifthly, when it comes to baking wine biscuits, ensure that you don’t overbake them as they can burn easily due to their sugar content. However, if you prefer crunchy biscuits bake them for a bit longer.
Lastly but not least important is storing your baked goodies after cooling them completely on a wire rack. The wine cookies original Italian recipe stays well for two weeks at room temperature in an air-tight container. If you plan on having leftovers for more extended periods, then opt for refrigeration for optimal freshness retention.
By following these tips and tricks when making your wine cookies italian recipe or any other wine cookie variation from this recipe article section result in delectable and flavorful baked goods.
FAQ
As you prepare to make these delicious wine cookies, it’s important to be informed on possible questions that could arise during the process. In this section, I will address some of the frequently asked questions about this recipe to give you a better understanding of how to make the perfect batch of Italian wine biscuits. So, let’s get started with the FAQ!
What wine for cookies?
When it comes to pairing cookies with wine, the color of the dessert plays a crucial role. As a general guideline, the darker the cookie, the darker the wine that should be served with it. If you’re aiming to pair a light sugar cookie with wine, a refreshing white varietal would be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a rich, dark chocolate cookie, a full-bodied red wine would make a great companion.
What’s a wine biscuit?
When you hear the term “wine biscuits,” the name may be a bit misleading. These baked goods are slightly sweet, but not overwhelmingly so like a sugar cookie. They are made using a combination of red wine, oil, sugar, and flour, and the finished product may have a subtle purple tint. Typically, these biscuits are twisted into a small ring shape, adding an extra element of interest to their appearance.
How many calories in a wine cookie?
The nutritional information for this wine shows that it contains only 82 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. This makes it a relatively low-calorie and low-carb option for those who are watching what they eat.
What can I substitute for wine biscuits?
I have chosen to use a type of biscuit that closely resembles wine biscuits – the plain and vanilla-flavored Arnott’s Marie biscuits. Alternatively, arrowroot biscuits can be used as a substitute as per my mom’s recommendation.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these wine cookies are the perfect addition to any dessert table or party. With their rustic appearance and delicious taste, they are sure to impress guests and leave them wanting more. These cookies can also be adapted to different tastes by using different types of wine in the recipe.
So, whether you prefer a sweet white wine or a dry red wine, this recipe is a simple and easy way to incorporate your favorite wine into a dessert. Not only will these cookies be a hit at any gathering, but they also make for a thoughtful gift for any wine lover.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always delicious. So let’s raise a glass (of wine) and celebrate the deliciousness that is these Italian Wine Cookies!
Wine Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 5 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 2/3 cup sweet wine
- 1 egg white, beaten
- chopped nuts
Instructions
- Mix together butter, sugar and egg yolks. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Sift together flour and salt. Add alternately with wine. Mix well. Chill.
- Roll out on a floured board and cut into 2” rounds. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 325°F for about 10 minutes.