Biscotti Fiammifero (Matchstick Cookies)
Category: Sweets
Yield: 40 pieces
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 250g |
| Powdered sugar | 125g |
| Butter | 125g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| Egg white | 1 |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) | 130g |
| Food coloring | q.b. (as needed) |
| Lemon juice | A few drops |
Instructions:
To make the Biscotti Fiammifero, begin by preparing the shortcrust pastry (pasta frolla). Start by removing the butter from the fridge and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Once soft, place the butter and flour in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a crumbly, flour-like texture. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl and sift in the powdered sugar, add the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod, the two egg yolks, and a pinch of salt.
Start to mix the ingredients by hand, kneading the dough until it forms a cohesive ball. Once the dough is formed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
After the resting time, remove the dough from the fridge. To shape the cookies, divide the dough in half. Keep one half refrigerated while you work with the other half. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm (about 0.4 inches). Repeat this process with the second half of dough.
Cut the rolled dough into long, narrow sticks, creating a matchstick shape. Place the cut dough pieces onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-16 minutes in a static oven until lightly golden.
While the cookies bake, prepare the royal icing. Using a stand mixer, whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, along with a few drops of lemon juice. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to add too much lemon juice, as it could prevent the icing from setting properly.
Next, slowly add the red food coloring (liquid, powder, or gel as preferred) and continue beating until the icing reaches the desired color intensity.
Once the cookies are baked and fully cooled, dip the tips of the matchstick cookies into the royal icing. Allow the icing to set completely, which will take about an hour. Once the royal icing has dried, your Biscotti Fiammifero are ready to be served!
These delightful cookies make a perfect treat for an afternoon snack or a special occasion. Enjoy the crisp, buttery texture of the shortcrust dough complemented by the colorful and sweet royal icing!
