Cantucci - Italian Cookies

Cantucci are traditional Italian almond cookies from Tuscany. They are baked twice, which makes them crunchy, golden, and perfect for dunking, usually in coffee, mulled wine, or honestly… whatever you have nearby ☕😄

In Italy, Cantucci are simple, proud cookies. No butter, no fuss, no drama. Just almonds, eggs, sugar, and confidence. This is my version with brown sugar.

1. 200 gr of all-purpose flour
2. 30 gr granulated sugar
3. 70 gr brow sugar (to give it a more brownish colour)

NOTE: this is in my version just to change the colour - in the original version it`s 100 gr of granulated sugar

1. 100 gr whole almonds
2. 2 large eggs, room temperature
3. 1 egg yolk
4. 6 gr of baking powder
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (If you like)
6. 1 spoon of honey
7. Zest of 1 orange
8. Zest of 1 lemon
9. A pinch of salt

(No butter. Yes, really. Italians like to suffer a little.)

In a large bowl, mix the flour, the sugar, the baking powder, and the salt.

Cut half of the almonds up in two three pieces (without cutting your fingers off) and add the rest as a whole.

Stir all the ingredients well (Pretend you’re an Italian nonna judging your technique).

Add: eggs, vanilla, lemon and orange zest. Mix until a dough forms.

It will be sticky and rustic, not smooth. If it looks imperfect, congratulations: you’re doing it right 🙌

Note: Before you mix, start by turning on the oven to 350°F (175°C)

This is even stickier and messy, but... place the dough on a baking sheet and shape into a log. Flatten slightly. Think ciabatta, not baguette.

Using your inner artist now spread the egg yolk on top! And it`s now time for the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until light golden (firm but not rock-hard). Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

Cut the log in slices 2 cm wide. This is the iconic Cantucci look, dramatic and elegant, like Italian hand gestures 🤌

Place the slices on the tray again and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 min. Turn the Cantucci on their other side and bake for further 10 minutes.

Note: if you see they are becoming too brown take them out as they are ready!

Cantucci are traditionally served with: Coffee ☕, Espresso 🇮🇹, Vin Santo 🍷, Mulled wine and all you have at home!

"They’re meant to be dunked. If you don’t dunk them, they dunk you.”