3 Old Italian Pecan Clove Cookie Recipes

Welcome to a culinary journey through time with the delightful taste of Italian Pecan Clove Cookies. These cookies, with their rich flavor profiles, blend the traditional warmth of cloves with the buttery goodness of pecans, creating an irresistible treat that has stood the test of time. In this post, we'll explore three historical recipes that evoke the spirit of old Italy, sharing the stories behind these delightful cookies along with detailed instructions to recreate them in your kitchen.

Understanding the Charm of Pecan Clove Cookies

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its depth and simplicity, where a few high-quality ingredients can transform into exquisite dishes. Pecan Clove Cookies are a testament to this culinary philosophy. With origins rooted in traditional festive and family gatherings, these cookies combine:

• Pecans - for a sweet, buttery flavor
• Cloves - for their warm, aromatic spiciness
• Flour, Sugar, Eggs - staples in Italian baking

Recipe 1: Classic Tuscan Pecan Clove Cookies

The Tuscan region of Italy is known for its rustic yet sophisticated approach to food. Here’s how you can recreate this traditional recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cloves.
3. In another large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in the pecans.
5. Shape the dough into small balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening slightly.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown.
7. Let cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍪 Note: These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of espresso or vin santo, mirroring the traditional Tuscan pairings.

Recipe 2: Sicilian Pecan Clove Biscotti

In Sicily, the biscotti tradition is a sacred part of the culinary heritage. Here's how you can make your own batch:

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• ³⁄₄ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Grated zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cloves in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and almond extract until smooth, then incorporate orange zest.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the pecans.
5. Divide dough in half and shape each into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place logs on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then slice the logs diagonally into ¹⁄₂-inch-thick slices.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until crispy.
8. Let cool completely before storing or serving.

Recipe 3: Umbrian Pecan Clove Cookies

In the lush hills of Umbria, cookies are often enjoyed in the countryside, where simplicity meets elegance. Here's a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• Zest of one lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cloves in one bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, egg, milk, and lemon zest.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. Stir in pecans.
5. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.
7. Allow to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

To recap, these Italian Pecan Clove Cookies offer a variety of tastes from different regions of Italy, each reflecting their unique culinary traditions. They are not just cookies but a culinary journey through Italy's heart. Each recipe showcases the beauty of combining pecans' delicate, buttery flavor with the bold warmth of cloves, showcasing the depth of Italian baking techniques. Whether you are sipping a cup of coffee with a Tuscan cookie, savoring Sicilian biscotti with a glass of dessert wine, or enjoying an Umbrian treat in the countryside, these cookies offer a sweet taste of Italian heritage.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

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Yes, walnuts can be a good substitute for pecans. They will alter the flavor slightly, giving the cookies a different but equally delicious taste.

How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

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Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them. They can last for several weeks when frozen.

What can I pair these cookies with for an authentic Italian experience?

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The Tuscan cookies go well with espresso or vin santo. The Sicilian biscotti can be paired with dessert wine like Marsala, and the Umbrian cookies would be delightful with a glass of white wine or grappa.