Italian Anise Sugar Rings (Zuccherini Montanari) Recipe

Zuccherini Montanari: A Delicious Italian Sweet Treat

Zuccherini Montanari, also known as mountain sugar biscuits, are a delightful Italian treat that captures the essence of rustic baking. These sweet, crunchy cookies are coated in a sugary glaze that sparkles with sweetness. Whether you’re serving them as a special dessert, offering them at a gathering, or simply indulging in a cozy snack, these treats will charm everyone who tastes them. This recipe creates about 48 pieces and is perfect for those who love homemade cookies with a bit of Italian flair.

Ingredients

Instructions

To begin preparing your Zuccherini Montanari, follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly sweet and golden cookies.

1. Prepare the Dough
   Start by placing the eggs and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Turn the mixer on to medium speed, allowing the ingredients to mix thoroughly. As the mixture starts to blend, add the peanut oil. Continue mixing until you have a smooth, creamy, and slightly frothy consistency.

2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
   Once your mixture is light and fluffy, turn off the stand mixer. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl with the wet ingredients. This step ensures a lump-free dough. Turn the mixer on again and blend everything until the dough comes together into a smooth, uniform consistency.

3. Shape the Dough
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently into a smooth ball. Next, take about one-fifth of the dough and roll it out using a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips that are approximately 10 cm long and 2 cm wide.

4. Form the Biscuits
   Take each strip and roll it between your fingers to form a small cord, shaping it by gently pressing the ends together to create a small ring. Twist the ends slightly to make sure they hold their shape. Repeat this process with all the dough strips until you have formed all the biscuit rings.

5. Bake the Biscuits
   Arrange the biscuit rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cookies for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

6. Prepare the Sugar Glaze
   While the cookies cool, make the sugar glaze. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and the remaining 40g of anise liqueur. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely and the mixture has thickened into a syrupy consistency.

7. Glaze the Biscuits
   Gently dip each of the baked cookies into the sugar syrup, making sure they are evenly coated. Once coated, return them to the parchment-lined tray to cool completely. As the syrup sets, it will crystallize, giving the biscuits their signature glistening sugar coating.

8. Cool and Serve
   Let the sugar-coated Zuccherini Montanari cool completely on the parchment paper. The sugar coating will harden into a delicious, crispy glaze. Once cooled, your Zuccherini Montanari are ready to enjoy. These sweet, anise-flavored treats are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a wonderful snack for any occasion.

Tips for the Perfect Zuccherini Montanari

• Storage: Store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. They make an excellent gift for holidays or special occasions.
• Flavor Variation: If you want to add a little twist to the traditional flavor, you can substitute the anise liqueur with another flavored liqueur such as vanilla or lemon zest for a unique variation.
• Coating Options: For a different texture, consider rolling the biscuits in a combination of sugar and cinnamon before baking. This will give them a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for colder months.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Enjoy these delightful Zuccherini Montanari and share them with family and friends for an authentic Italian treat that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more.