Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of hazelnuts, chopped
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Prepare the Dough
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make the dough. Follow these simple steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Now, fold in the chopped hazelnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Baking the Cantucci
With the dough prepared, it’s time to shape and bake the Cantucci. Follow these final steps:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a log, approximately 2 inches wide and 12 inches long.
- Place the logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the logs turn golden brown.
- Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the slices on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until they become crispy.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade Hazelnut Cantucci is now ready to be enjoyed! These delightful cookies are perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy. They also make a great gift for friends and family!
Now that you know how to make Hazelnut Cantucci, try experimenting with different variations. You can replace hazelnuts with almonds or add a touch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
So, why not roll up your sleeves and give this traditional Italian recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!