Italian Cenci Cookies

Name: Italian Cenci Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: about 4 dozen.
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

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

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.

Originally published as Italian Cenci Cookies in Reminisce Extra April 1993

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joherringshaw

Oct 24, 2017

can u make the dough and then put it in refrigerator to fry later in the day? please answer ASAP
cmille9209

Dec 22, 2014

So many memories. I do have a suggestion. Because the pasta machine was out already, my mom would send the dough through to the last setting and then roll by hand if needed.
edward57

Dec 4, 2014

I'm Italian and always make these at x-mass time! Thay melt in your mouth! A favorite at my house.
frozenmargarita

Apr 13, 2014

Great Recipe!