Description
Soft buttery cookies filled with creamy pastry cream, bursting with lemon zest and nostalgic charm. These delicious snacks are perfect for family gatherings or impromptu treats.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter (melted, cooled)
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
⅓ cup milk
Filling & Coating
1 cup pastry cream (vanilla custard)
1 tsp almond extract (non-alcoholic substitute)
¾ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Mix in melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla to create a rich filling before adding flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a soft dough.
Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of walnuts, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should remain pale and soft, avoiding browning that can alter the texture.
While still warm, use a small spoon to scoop a tiny hole in the bottom of each cookie.
Fill each hollowed cookie with pastry cream. Drizzle granulated sugar over the top for coating.
Notes
Replace Alchermes liqueur with almond extract for a non-alcoholic version. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian