Italian Cenci Cookies

Name: Italian Cenci Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: about 4 dozen.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened; Oil for deep-fat frying; Confectioners' sugar

3 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 20 min.

Makes

about 4 dozen

My mother brought this special family recipe from Europe a century ago. Cenci can be "dressed up" for any holiday—at Easter, I sprinkle yellow, pink and lavender jelly beans over them, and for Christmas, red and green candy sprinkles give the cenci a festive look. Even without the garnish, they always disappear fast! —Anna Coduto, Fullerton, California

Italian Cenci Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

3 large eggs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
Oil for deep-fat frying
Confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar and salt until frothy. Stir in vanilla. Sift flour with baking powder; gradually add to batter. Add butter and mix well. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half; roll each half as thin as possible (noodle thickness). Cut into 5-in. x 1-in. strips with a knife or scalloped pastry wheel.
Preheat oil to 375°; fry cookies until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Cookies are best served the same day.

Italian Cenci Cookies

Total Time

Makes

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