Carnival Mask Cookies (Mascherine di Carnevale)
Celebrate the festive season with these vibrant, crispy Carnival Mask Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these colorful, fried delicacies are decorated with honey, colorful sprinkles, and melted chocolate.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Butter | 50g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| All-purpose flour | 350g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 pod |
| Water | 25ml |
| White wine | 20ml |
| Food coloring | Red, green, blue |
| Dark chocolate | 50g |
| Powdered sugar | to taste |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Colorful sprinkles | to taste |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | as needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
Begin by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and stir to combine. Split the vanilla bean pod, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the flour mixture. Grate the zest of one lemon directly into the bowl to infuse the dough with citrus fragrance. -
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Mix the Dough:
Gradually add the sugar and butter, working them into the flour mixture. Add a pinch of fine salt for balance. Begin mixing with your hands or a spoon until the dough starts to come together. -
Add Liquids:
Slowly incorporate the water and white wine into the dough. Add the liquids little by little, stirring and kneading the mixture until it forms a soft, smooth dough. Once it’s well combined, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface to knead by hand for 5-10 minutes. -
Divide and Color the Dough:
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and set aside to rest in a cool place for at least 30 minutes. Once rested, color each portion using food coloring (one red, one green, and one blue). Make sure the colors are evenly distributed by kneading them into the dough. -
Roll and Cut the Dough:
Once your dough has rested and is colored, start rolling it out. Begin with the white dough, dusting your rolling surface with a bit of flour. Roll the dough to a thickness of about 2-3 mm. For best results, use a pasta machine to create a thin sheet. -
Shape the Carnival Masks:
Using a mask-shaped cookie cutter or your preferred shape, cut out the mask shapes. Repeat this process for the colored doughs (red, green, and blue). Make sure to use the same technique for each color to maintain consistency. -
Fry the Masks:
Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep frying pan or pot, ensuring that the oil reaches a temperature of around 170°C (340°F). Fry the mask-shaped cookies one at a time, ensuring each side gets crispy and golden. This should only take about 1 minute per side. Once fried, transfer the cookies to paper towels to drain excess oil. -
Decorate the Masks:
Once your masks have cooled slightly, brush the colorful ones with a thin layer of honey to give them a glossy finish. Decorate with colorful sprinkles for added fun and festivity. For the white masks, you can drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or use a piping bag to create intricate designs. -
Final Touches:
If desired, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on the cooled cookies for a delicate, snowy effect. Serve the Carnival Mask Cookies on a large platter for a visually stunning treat at your next celebration.
Additional Tips:
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Perfect for Parties: These Carnival Mask Cookies are perfect for festive occasions like Mardi Gras, Carnival, or any themed party. Their vibrant colors and fun shapes will delight both kids and adults alike.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This allows you to shape and fry the cookies just before your guests arrive.
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Chocolate Option: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add cocoa powder to the dough to make chocolate-flavored Carnival Mask Cookies. Alternatively, dip the fried cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
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Vegan-Friendly Variation: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
Serving Suggestions
These Carnival Mask Cookies are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They’re also great for gifting—wrap them up in festive cellophane for a delightful homemade present!
Fun Fact:
Carnival celebrations are a centuries-old tradition in many cultures, particularly in Italy, where these Mascherine di Carnevale are a popular treat during the festivities. The colorful masks represent the playful, exuberant spirit of Carnival—perfect for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
