Genetta Cookies

Genetta Cookies Recipe - Homemade Italian Cookies

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Genetta Cookies are a traditional Italian cookie that is loved for its sweet and slightly crunchy texture. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. The combination of the buttery cookie base and the sweet sugar icing makes these cookies irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

History

Genetta Cookies have been a staple in Italian households for generations. The recipe has been passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic recipe. These cookies are often made during special occasions such as Christmas or Easter, but they are also enjoyed year-round as a delicious treat.

Ingredients

5 cups flour
1 cup sugar
6 tsp baking powder
1 cup crisco (vegetable shortening)
6 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla

Sugar icing

confectioners' sugar
lemon extract, almond extract or anise extract
water
1 tsp lemon juice
colored sprinkles (optional)

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Add Crisco to the mixture and mix until it becomes crumbly.
Add eggs to the mixture and thoroughly blend them together.
Add vanilla to the mixture and quickly mix again.
Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Shape the dough into small fingers and twist them together, resembling crossed legs. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottom turns light brown.
Allow the cookies to cool before icing the tops.

Sugar icing

In a small bowl, create a mound of confectioners' sugar.
Add one capful of extract to the sugar mound and gradually add water, a little at a time, to make a thick paste.
Stir in lemon juice.
Dip the top of each cookie into the sugar paste, allowing any excess to drip off.
If desired, top the cookies with sprinkles while the icing is still wet.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract for a nutty twist.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overwork the dough when mixing the ingredients together. Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies.

- Make sure to allow the cookies to cool completely before icing them. This will prevent the icing from melting and running off the cookies.

- If you prefer a thinner icing, simply add more water to the sugar paste until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Genetta Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to twist the dough into the traditional crossed legs shape for an authentic Genetta Cookie.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can use butter as a substitute.

- You can use almond or lemon extract in place of the anise extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Genetta Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The icing can be added just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Genetta Cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with colored sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve them alongside a cup of espresso for an authentic Italian experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Genetta Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also make a great accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and satisfying dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Genetta Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Genetta Cookies contains approximately 200 calories. It's important to enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Genetta Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Each serving of Genetta Cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat. While fats are often demonized, they are an important macronutrient that provides energy, supports cell growth, and helps the body absorb certain vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of Genetta Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important component of a healthy diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Genetta Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, they do contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Genetta Cookies contain eggs and wheat, which are common allergens. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consuming these cookies.

Summary

Genetta Cookies are a delicious treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content. While they may not be the healthiest option, they are a delightful indulgence for special occasions.

Summary

Genetta Cookies are a delightful Italian treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their buttery cookie base and sweet sugar icing, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Genetta Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. Our neighbor, Mrs. Stefano, was known for her delicious baking, and one day she invited me over to her house to help her make these special cookies.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mrs. Stefano had already started preparing the cookie dough, and she showed me how to mix the ingredients together until they formed a smooth, sticky batter. She explained that the secret to the perfect Genetta Cookies was to use just the right amount of spices and to roll the dough out thin before cutting it into small, diamond-shaped pieces.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Stefano expertly shaped the cookies and placed them on a baking sheet. She told me that the cookies would only need to bake for a short time, just until they were golden brown around the edges. As we waited for the cookies to cool, Mrs. Stefano shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Genetta Cookies from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations of their family.

I was fascinated by the history and tradition behind these simple cookies, and I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. Mrs. Stefano was kind enough to write down the recipe for me, and she even gave me a small bag of her homemade cookies to take home with me.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the art of making Genetta Cookies. I practiced tirelessly in my own kitchen, experimenting with different spices and techniques until I was able to recreate the same delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that Mrs. Stefano's cookies had.

Over the years, I continued to bake Genetta Cookies for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who showed an interest. Each time I made a batch of these cookies, I would be transported back to that day in Mrs. Stefano's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love that had first inspired me to learn how to bake.

As I grew older and moved away from my village, the recipe for Genetta Cookies became a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. I would make them for special occasions, such as holidays and family gatherings, and they would always be met with rave reviews.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on those early days of learning to make Genetta Cookies, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the people who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me over the years. I am proud to carry on the tradition of baking these special cookies, knowing that each batch I make is a tribute to the generations of women who came before me.

And so, as I prepare to pass on this recipe to future generations of my own family, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude for the simple joy that baking and sharing delicious food can bring. The recipe for Genetta Cookies may have come from a humble beginning, but its legacy lives on in the smiles and satisfied bellies of all those who have had the pleasure of tasting its sweet, spiced goodness.