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Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

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This ring shaped Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe is truly unique in its texture and flavor. I can’t wait to share this Neapolitan treat with all of you!

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

But before I do, I just wanted to let you know that a group of talented Canadian Bloggers (all Food Bloggers of Canada members) have decided to create a virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange with all of you. So be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for some links to fantastic recipes! (You can also find us in all the social media by searching: #CDNFoodCreatives). A big thanks to our hosts: Laura, who can be found at thebluenosebaker along with Kacey from The Cookie Writer and Evelyne from CulturEatz.

You are probably aware that Italians are notorious for their cookies and baked goods, especially during the holiday season. There are so many wonderful choices : amaretti, cucidati, struffoli, to name but a few. Today, I am going to include this Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe. This particular recipe has its origin in the Campania area of Italy.

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

It all starts by combining the “dry” ingredients in the mixing bowl of a stand mixture. Upon the addition of the liquids, in the form of an egg and some water, you will get a wonderful aroma. To be honest, the most challenging process in this recipe is adding the right amount of water in order to get the right consistency. There is a little bit of trial and error, but in the end you will be rewarded with an absolutely wonderful treat!

This is a very sticky dough, so before you place your dough on your wooden board, make sure to put A LOT of flour on the board. You might also need to sprinkle some flour on the top of your dough.

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

I will knead the dough a few times and form a log.

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

With my trusty little dough scraper, I will cut pieces of dough that weigh 40 – 50 grams each. I will then roll each piece of dough into a 7 inch rope. Then it is just a matter of joining the two ends and placing them on a parchment lined baking sheet. You need to brush the tops with a little egg wash; they are then ready to be baked for about 12 minutes or until the surface is a nice golden brown.

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are supposed to be hard and crunchy. Once again, you need to adjust the amount of water that is added to get the right texture.

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

Origin of the recipe for Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe:

As you probably know, I have always been fascinated by cookies. I remember my mom’s friend, Nunzia, introducing this type of cookie into my family. (If you recall, she also introduced me to this recipe for these very addictive thin crispy biscotti). I think Nunzia might be on to something with all these crispy cookies. Grazie Nunzia ♥

Over the years, I have tried different versions of this recipe and the one that I am sharing with of all you today is from Laura Vitale.

I truly hope that you have the chance to try this Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe. Can’t wait to hear if you enjoy them!

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe
5 from 2 votes
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Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

This ring shaped Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe is truly unique in its texture and flavor. Like cookies with a crunch? Try this one!
Course cookies
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 24 servings
Calories 155 kcal
Author recipe from Laura Vitale

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups flour all purpose
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch white pepper
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup almonds toasted and chopped
  • 3/4 cup almonds ground
  • zest of 1 orange
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 egg slightly beaten
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup water
  • extra flour for wooden board

egg wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Position rack in the center.
  2. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl of stand mixture, sift together dry ingredients. (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt and white pepper).
  4. Add the sugar, almonds and zest.
  5. With paddle attachment of stand mixture, combine thoroughly.
  6. Add the beaten egg and combine together.
  7. Gradually add the water and mix until the dough comes together. Add the water slowly. This is a sticky dough.
  8. Transfer dough on a floured surface.
  9. Knead a few times.
  10. Portion into 40 gram portions (or the equivalence of about 2 tablespoons).
  11. Roll into a 7 inch strand about ½ inch in diameter.
  12. Combine the two ends to form a ring.
  13. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  14. Brush cookies with egg wash.
  15. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned.
  16. Allow to cool on baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Recipe Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

 

Nutrition Facts
Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 155 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 8%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 50mg 2%
Potassium 102mg 3%
Total Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 15g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 0.4%
Calcium 3.8%
Iron 4.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Thanks for dropping by,

Ciao for now!

Maria 🙂

Crispy Spicy Almond Roccoco Italian Cookie Recipe

 

Welcome to this very special Canadian Cookie Collaboration between the Canadian Food Creatives and the Canadian Christmas Cookie Exchange. #CDNFoodCreatives
Visit these Canadian Bloggers to save all of these sweet holiday cookie recipes:

Sharing is caring! Please post on social media if you like with the hashtag #CDNFoodCreatives!

Comments

    • There are so many “regional” recipes in Italy, both sweet and savory. My mom originates from the province of Benevento, which is in the Campania area of Italy. This cookie can be found throughout this area and of course every family has their version of this recipe. Thanks for dropping by Evelyne 🙂

      Reply

      • Maria,
        I’ve fallen in love with your recipes. They are a true treasure. I read this comment and have realized why I felt such a strong connection to your blog. I am also from the province of Benevento. The town of Montesarchio, to be exact. I have lived in the US for over 40 years. Thanks again for your recipes. 🙂

      • Nice to “virtually” met you Carmelina ♥ Welcome! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy you are here. Happy Valentine’s Day ♥

    • Thanks Kacey! It just wouldn’t be Christmas without these cookies. Appreciate you dropping by and thanks so much for hosting this exchange 🙂

      Reply

    • Good eye Samantha! In fact, blanched almonds are sometimes indented in the cookie dough before they are baked. Happy Holidays to you too!

      Reply

  8. Okay, these are a new cookie to me! This is why I love food blogging! I literally learn something new everyday! The dough looks a bit difficult to work with, but I bet the reward is so high! Thanks for sharing 🙂 So happy to be part of this collab alongside the pros like you!

    Reply

    • Thank you for your kind words Amanda! Yes, the dough is a bit sticky to work with, but once you get the hang of it, it truly is an easy recipe. We have to keep in mind that our mothers and grandmothers would make these recipes over and over again. I am also happy to be part of this group …so many great recipes in this collaboration. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

      Reply


  10. Sounds like an all-in-one cookie ! Crispy, crunchy, nutty, spicy with a bit of citrus….Wow ! The name reminds me of the Almond Roca candy that I loved when I was young. Thanks for sharing !

    Reply

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