Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (2024)

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Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies, a delicious crunchy Cookie Recipe. Traditionally filled with your favourite Jam or why not a little Nutella? These simple, buttery cookies make the perfect snack or even dessert.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (1)

A little while ago I received a message from a reader telling me about this Italian Cookie she had eaten and explaining what it looked like and if I knew what it was called.

Well I actually did, and this cookie is sold in most bakeries (forni) in my small town. After some searching I discovered they were called Pizzicati, but also known as Pinch Cookies, Bow Tie Cookies or Envelope Cookies.

Table of Contents

How to make Pizzicati

In a large bowl, food processor or standup mixer whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar and baking powder, make a well in the centre and add the egg and butter, combine with a fork until mixture almost combined.

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Move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead until you have a soft smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.

Roll half the dough at a time on a floured flat surface until the thinness of a pie crust or a little thicker if you want, cut out with a small round cookie cutter. Place a teaspoon of jam in the middle of the circle and take the two ends and pinch them together.

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Place cookies on the prepared cookie sheets and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. Let cool completely then dust with a little powdered sugar.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (4)

How to keep the dough from opening while baking

What has always worked for me is pinch the dough then pinch it again with wet fingers and then place them on the prepared cookie sheet.

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How to store Italian them

The cookies should be stored in an airtight container, each layer separated with parchment paper. They are best stored in a cool dry area. Stored properly they will last up to 4 days.

You can even make the dough in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate, it will last up to 3 days. Just work the dough a bit before rolling.

They can also be frozen in a freezer safe bag or container and will last up to two months. Be sure the cookies have cooled completely before freezing. The dough can also be frozen, wrapped in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer tight bag. The dough will last up to four to five months.

Sometimes I am asked about a certain recipe, and if I have ever heard of them. If I am not familiar then I will ask friends and family and more times than not they can help me out. Unfortunately sometimes we don’t have a clue (sorry).

Could be the translation is not correct, could be the recipe is only made in a certain part of Italy and after searching and searching it appears to be nowhere to be found, or maybe it was invented in another part of the world by an Italian Expat!

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (6)

Italian Dishes that aren’t really Italian

  • Spaghetti and Meatballs – For Italians this is two separate meals, Primo and Secondo Piatto
  • Garlic Bread – I love it and my Mom would make it, but nope not on an Italian dinner table.
  • Chicken Parmigiana – Which was actually invented by an Italian Expat.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo – Which strange as it sounds, was invented by an Italian in Rome but is rarely if ever served in Italy!!!
  • Italian Salad Dressing – No thanks just give me some Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar and sprinkle of salt.
  • Cioppino – Was actually invented by an Italian Fisherman in San Francisco.

If you are in a Cookie making mood this weekend here are a few more recipes worth discovering!

More Italian Cookies you may enjoy!

  • Strawberry Filled Soft Italian Cookies
  • Double Nutella Stuffed Cookies
  • Nutellotti Cookies / Nutella Cookies
  • Chocolate Almond Biscotti
  • Amaretti Cookies
  • Canestrelli
  • Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies
  • Pumpkin Baci di Dama
  • Lingue di Gatto
  • Italian Sandwich Cookies
  • Italian S Cookies
  • Italian Butter Cookies
  • Occhio di Bue / Italian Sandwich Cookies
  • Italian Butter Cookies

Christmas Cookies you are definitely going to want to make.

Most of these recipes were my Mom’s and believe me she was known for her amazing Christmas Cookies. We could never get enough and she was always asked for her recipes.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (7)
  • The Best Two Way Shortbread Cookies
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip and Nut Fruitcake Cookies
  • Easy Chocolate Chip Whipped Shortbread
  • Almond Crescent Cookies

Cookies for Weekend Baking

These yummy cookies are the perfect weekend baking idea. Some need time to chill, some just take a little bit more effort. All are delicious.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (8)
  • Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
  • Thick Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies
  • Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies

Italian Breakfast Cookies

Whether you are looking for the perfect cookie for dunking in your morning caffe latte or eat along side a tea or coffee then these delicious cookies are meant for you.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (9)
  • Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies
  • Wine Cookies / Ciambelle al Vino

Easy Cookies to make

Whether you have very little time or you just need a cookie fast, these quick and easy and so tasty Cookies are perfect.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (10)
  • Easy Strawberry Cookies
  • One Bowl Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Big Chocolate Chip Cookie

A few Hard to Resist Crunchy Cookies

Sometimes all you really want is a hard crunchy cookie, nothing like pouring yourself a glass of cold milk and grabbing a few of these delicious cookies.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (11)
  • Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
  • Crunchy Pecan Cookies
  • Crunchy Nutella No Yeast Roll Ups
  • Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies made with Fruit

These delicious made with fruit cookies are sometimes exactly what we need!

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (12)
  • Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
  • Cinnamon Applesauce Cookies
  • Homemade Apple Pie Cookies

So I hope you get inspired for baking up a cookie or two or even giving these Italian Pinch Cookies a try. Enjoy!

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (13)

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies

Rosemary Molloy

Pizzicati Italian Cookies, a delicious crunchy Cookie Recipe.These simple, buttery crunchy cookies make the perfect snack or even dessert.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 30 cookies

Calories 83 kcal

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (with at least 11.5% protein)
  • 1/2 cup corn starch
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons icing / powdered sugar (75 grams total)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup butter (soft)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup jam*

* Choose your jam of choice, a thick jam is the best or even Nutella.

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl sift together the flour, cornstarch, icing sugar, baking powder and salt, make a well in the centre and add the egg and butter combine with a fork until mixture is almost combined. (if you wish you can use a food processor or stand up mixer with the paddle attachment).

    • Move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead until you have a soft smooth dough (do not over knead) (if too sticky then add a little extra flour if too dry add a little more butter (a tablespoon at a time).

    • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    • Remove from the fridge and roll half the dough at a time on a floured flat surface until a little bit thicker than a pie crust (about ¼ inch), cut out with a medium (2¼ – 2½ inches / 7 cm) or small (2 inch /5 cm) round cookie cutter.

    • Place a teaspoon of jam in the middle of each circle and take the two ends and pinch them together, dip fingers in a little water and pinch the dough again, just to make sure that the dough sticks and doesn't open while baking.

    • Place the cookies on 1-2 parchment paper lined cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350F (180C), while the oven is preheating refrigerate the cookies, then bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. Let cool completely then dust with a little icing / powdered sugar. Enjoy.

    Notes

    Be sure to use an all purpose flour with at least 11.5% protein, this will help keep the cookies from spreading.

    For Room Temperature remove ingredients from the fridge for approximately 60 minutes before using (longer if your house is cool).

    You can even bring the dough together with a food processor or stand up mixer with the paddle attachment.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

    Updated from May 5, 2018.

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    Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies + 30 Cookie Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    Where are pizzicati from? ›

    Pizzicati are delicate Italian shortbread cookies filled with jam. Sometimes called biscotti pizzicati or simply pinch cookies, the jam-filled cookies are not too sweet and beautiful on a dessert tray.

    What kind of cookies are in an Italian cookie tray? ›

    Our Classic Italian assortment is a great way to sample of our traditional sweets. This tray includes Cranberry Almond Biscotti, Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds, Chocolate Almond Macaroons and Pignoli Cookies.

    What cookie originated in Italy? ›

    Biscotti. Also known as cantuccini, biscotti are a classic Tuscan cookie known for their crunchy texture perfect for dunking in a hot cup of espresso or, traditionally, sweet wine.

    What is the number one dessert in Italy? ›

    1. Tiramisu. This iconic sweet treat is easy to make at home with our simple recipe. Make it ahead of time to allow the flavours to mingle and intensify while you're munching on a crunchy bruschetta starter.

    What is the number one cookie in the world? ›

    Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

    What is the name for the Italian twice-baked hard cookie? ›

    The History of Biscotti – Biscotti comes from the Latin word biscoctus, which means twice-baked. While Italians use biscotti as an umbrella term, of sorts, to designate many different varietals of cookies, Americans use it as the name for this delicious long, crisp, twice-baked Italian cookie.

    What is the word for hard Italian cookies? ›

    This is the proper name for the biscuit we know as biscotti, which in Italian just means “cookies.” Twice-baked and sliced, these ultra-crunchy, not-too-sweet biscuits are usually studded with nuts and simply beg to be dipped in coffee, tea, or a glass of vin santo.

    Why are my Italian cookies flat? ›

    Explore the following reasons why cookies spread too much so you can achieve better results the next time you bake.
    • OVEN IS TOO HOT. ...
    • INGREDIENTS MEASURED INCORRECTLY. ...
    • BAKING SHEET IS TOO HOT. ...
    • BUTTER IS TOO SOFT. ...
    • BAKING SHEET IS OVER-GREASED. ...
    • DOUGH WASN'T CHILLED BEFORE BAKING. ...
    • DOUGH IS OVERMIXED. ...
    • BAKING SHEET WAS OVERCROWDED.

    What is the oldest cookie in the world? ›

    Pizzelles are believed to be the oldest cookie in history, first made in the 8th century in south-central Italy. The traditional pizzelle cookie is made from a sugar/butter-based batter that is pressed between two hot irons, usually sporting a design.

    Do Italians have cookies for breakfast? ›

    Many people will tell you that Italians eat croissants for breakfast. And they will, if eating out. But at home most Italians eat cookies. Mulino Bianco, one of Italy's biggest cookie brands, claims on its website that Italians eat more cookies than Americans because so many eat them for breakfast.

    Are Italian rainbow cookies from Italy? ›

    Though many Italian confections have an almond paste or almond flour base, rainbow cookies are a decidedly Italian-American creation.

    What is Italy cookie choices? ›

    Italy Cookie Choices allows you to easily comply with the european cookie law (and Italian too), showing a notice to the user only the very first time he visits your website. Message, position and the style can be easily modified through the plugin menu.

    Do they eat rainbow cookies in Italy? ›

    While there is no direct analogue to rainbow cookies in Italy, Italian food historian Mary Taylor Simeti speculates that the Italian-American rainbow cookie is based on the tri-colored gelato di campagna, a nougat with the same colored layers.

    Are all cookies in Italy called biscotti? ›

    Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.

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