Anginetti (Italian Lemon Drop Cookies)

🍋🇮🇹 Anginetti (Italian Lemon Drop Cookies) 🇮🇹🍋

What is Anginetti?
Anginetti, also known as Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, are delightful Italian lemon-flavored cookies that are a popular treat, especially during festive occasions. These cookies are loved for their sweet and tangy flavor, soft texture, and vibrant appearance.

History:
Anginetti cookies have their roots in Italian cuisine, known for its rich tradition of delectable desserts. While the exact origin is not well-documented, they are believed to have been enjoyed for generations in Italy and have made their way into Italian-American communities as well. These cookies are often associated with celebrations and family gatherings.

Components:
To make Anginetti cookies, you’ll need the following components:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Water (to adjust consistency)

Steps to Prepare Anginetti:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Then, mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.

6. Shape Cookies: Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls or drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden.

8. Prepare Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add water as needed to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency.

9. Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze over them.

10. Allow to Set: Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes.

Total Time Needed:
The preparation and baking of Anginetti cookies typically take around 30-40 minutes, while the glazing and setting process adds an additional 20-30 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy these zesty Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, perfect for any occasion! 🍪🍋😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anginetti (Italian Lemon Drop Cookies):

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 cookie, recipe makes about 36 cookies):

• Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories per cookie
• Total Fat: 4-6 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-25 milligrams
• Sodium: 25-30 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.2-0.5 grams
  • Sugars: 7-9 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: Anginetti cookies, like many desserts, are a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and calorie content.

2. Sugar Content: These cookies have a noticeable sugar content, which can affect blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should be cautious and consume them in small portions.

3. Saturated Fat: While the cookies do contain some saturated fat from butter, it’s relatively moderate. Be mindful of your overall saturated fat intake from all sources.

4. Portion Control: It’s easy to overindulge in these delicious cookies, so portion control is important to avoid excessive calorie intake.

5. Lemon Benefits: On the positive side, the use of lemon zest and juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor and provides a dose of vitamin C.

6. Homemade vs. Store-bought: Homemade cookies allow you to control the quality of ingredients, including reducing sugar if desired. Store-bought versions may contain additives and preservatives.

7. Enjoyment and Celebration: These cookies are best enjoyed as an occasional treat during special occasions and celebrations, rather than as a daily snack.

Remember, the nutritional values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used, so it’s a good idea to consult specific product labels or use a nutrition calculator if you need precise information for your dietary needs.