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Mustaccioli Cookies Recipe: Traditional Italian Chocolate-Spiced Cookies

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Traditional Italian Mustaccioli cookies are fragrant, spiced chocolate cookies made with almonds, honey, cocoa, and orange zest. Coated in rich bittersweet chocolate, these festive diamond-shaped treats are perfect for Christmas and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 grams) all purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup (130 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (75 grams) almonds
  • 3 tablespoons (15 grams/½ ounce) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (75 grams) honey
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum
  • 3 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 orange, grated zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bittersweet chocolate, or more if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Remove the almonds from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Chop them finely, keeping some texture rather than grinding them into almond flour.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, sifted cocoa powder, chopped almonds, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, grated orange zest, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the honey, extra virgin olive oil, dark rum, and warm water. Mix and knead until a smooth, soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For convenience, the dough can also be refrigerated overnight.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) before baking. Line two large baking sheets with nonstick parchment paper.
  7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and flatten it slightly with your hands. Lightly dust both sides with flour, then roll it between two sheets of parchment paper to approximately ½ inch (7–8 mm) thick.
  8. Using a 2-inch (5 cm) diamond-shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into diamonds. Alternatively, use a sharp knife and ruler to create evenly sized diamond shapes.
  9. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.
  10. Bake for 8–10 minutes for softer cookies or 12–14 minutes for a firmer, crunchier texture. Avoid overbaking if you prefer traditional soft Mustaccioli.
  11. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
  12. Chop the bittersweet chocolate into small pieces and melt gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, or over a bain-marie until smooth.
  13. Using two forks, dip each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before transferring the cookie to parchment paper or a wire rack.
  14. Let the chocolate coating set completely at room temperature before serving or storing the Mustaccioli cookies.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, toast the almonds before chopping them. This enhances their nutty aroma and adds depth to the cookies.
  • Chop the almonds finely but avoid grinding them into flour, as small almond pieces provide the traditional texture.
  • The dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature if it becomes too firm to roll.
  • For softer Mustaccioli, bake for 8–10 minutes. For a firmer texture, extend the baking time to 12–14 minutes.
  • Use good-quality bittersweet chocolate for a rich coating that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
  • If the melted chocolate becomes too thick for dipping, gently rewarm it until smooth and fluid.
  • For an alcohol-free variation, replace the dark rum with an equal quantity of orange juice or water.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • These traditional Italian Christmas cookies pair beautifully with espresso, coffee, or hot chocolate.
  • Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on cookie size and the amount of chocolate coating used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/mustaccioli-cookies-recipe-traditional-italian-chocolate-spiced-cookies/