Pasta Frolla Montata: A Delightful Italian Cookie Recipe
If you love delicate, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that add a touch of elegance to any occasion, Pasta Frolla Montata is the recipe you need. This classic Italian shortcrust dough, also known as “mounted shortcrust pastry,” creates light, beautifully textured cookies that are perfect for a special treat, a tea party, or holiday baking. The dough is prepared in a way that ensures the cookies stay wonderfully crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
About the Recipe
Pasta Frolla Montata is a versatile dough that can be used for various types of biscuits or cookies, and it’s traditionally piped into beautiful, star-shaped forms. These cookies are typically decorated with either candied cherries, almonds, or hazelnuts, but feel free to get creative with your own toppings. The combination of butter, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest makes for a subtly sweet, slightly zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
This recipe yields approximately 1 batch of delicious cookies (around 20-24 pieces, depending on the size you pipe them). The preparation time is relatively short, though you’ll need to allow time for resting the dough in the refrigerator before baking.
Ingredients for Pasta Frolla Montata
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Softened Butter | 250g |
| All-Purpose Flour (00) | 375g |
| Powdered Sugar | 150g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Egg Yolks | 1 |
| Pinch of Salt | 1 pinch |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Candied Cherries | to taste |
| Blanched Almonds | to taste |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | to taste |
Nutritional Information
The nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
How to Make Pasta Frolla Montata
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough Base
Begin by placing the softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer if preferred). Beat the butter for approximately 10 minutes on medium speed until it becomes creamy and light. During this time, you may need to stop the mixer every few minutes to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. This will ensure the butter is evenly whipped and aerated. -
Add Powdered Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped butter, mixing it in until fully combined. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the eggs and the additional egg yolk, one at a time. Continue to mix until smooth and well-blended. -
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and pinch of salt together to remove any lumps, then slowly add them to the butter mixture. Mix at a low speed until the flour is just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Add the lemon zest at this stage, giving the dough a fresh, citrusy aroma. -
Transfer the Dough to a Piping Bag
Once the dough has come together and is smooth, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. This will help you create the signature piped shapes typical of Pasta Frolla Montata cookies. -
Shape the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe the dough into small rosettes, stars, or any other shape you desire. Space the cookies out evenly on the baking sheet as they will expand slightly during baking. Decorate each cookie with a candied cherry in the center or an almond for a crunchy contrast. -
Chill the Dough
After shaping the cookies, place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and ensures a tender texture once baked. -
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if using a conventional oven, or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Once the dough has chilled, bake the cookies for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and firm around the edges. The cookies should not turn dark brown, so be sure to monitor them closely as oven temperatures can vary. -
Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies will set properly and remain crisp. -
Dust with Powdered Sugar
For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. This step is optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch.
Tips for Success:
- Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is soft, but not melted, before starting. It should be at room temperature to allow for easy whipping and smooth incorporation with the sugar and eggs.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It’s important for achieving the right texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Flavor Variations: You can easily customize these cookies by adding a few drops of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough, or by swapping the candied cherries for chopped dried fruits or chocolate chips.
- Piping the Dough: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off or form the cookies by hand, although the star shape will be difficult to achieve without a piping bag.
Serving and Storing:
Pasta Frolla Montata cookies are best served at room temperature, and they make a wonderful treat for tea time, celebrations, or as a gift. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, though they are most delicious when freshly baked.
These cookies can be frozen for longer storage; just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing. To defrost, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Pasta Frolla Montata is an Italian pastry tradition that can be easily recreated at home, bringing an authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen. With its light and buttery texture, delicate sweetness, and lovely lemony fragrance, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for a treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their elegance and flavor.
