Occhi di Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Eyes) Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 16 pieces
This delightful Italian dessert, Occhi di Santa Lucia, is a wonderful treat that blends the simplicity of olive oil and white wine with the sweetness of powdered sugar. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Italy, these crispy, ring-shaped cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a sweet moment, this recipe brings the essence of Italian baking to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| White wine | 50g |
| Eggs | 55g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 250g |
| Powdered sugar | 150g |
| Water | 25g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the dough:
Start by placing the 00 flour in a large bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil and white wine to the flour. Begin mixing with a wooden spoon, then switch to using your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and homogeneous. -
Rest the dough:
Once the dough is well-formed, transfer it to a clean surface or spianatoia (a wooden board used for rolling dough). Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out while you prepare to shape the cookies. -
Shape the cookies:
Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a long strip, about 10 cm in length. Cut it into small pieces, then carefully form each piece into a ring by pinching the ends together, creating a shape similar to a traditional tarallo. -
Bake the cookies:
Place the shaped cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are evenly spaced. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crisp. -
Prepare the glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar and water in a small bowl. Stir until you achieve a smooth and thick consistency. -
Glaze the cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled down, dip the top side of each ring-shaped cookie into the glaze, making sure it is well coated. Then, flip them over to allow the glaze to set. This step gives the Occhi di Santa Lucia their signature sweet finish. -
Serve and enjoy:
Let the glaze harden before serving. These delightful cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or share them with friends and family for a truly special treat.
Tips:
- To prevent the dough from drying out, always cover it while you are not actively working with it.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Enjoy the delightful flavors and traditional charm of these Italian cookies, ideal for any celebration or as a sweet addition to your dessert table!
