The Italian wine cookie, otherwise known as “ciambelline al vino” or “ubriachelle,” are one of the biggest symbols of the Lazio confectionery world. Prepared with simple ingredients, these cookies usually found in most homes (oil, wine, sugar and flour). They have a light golden brown color and lightly dusted with sugar crystals. The texture is very crumbly with a simple and genuine flavor. These cookies can also be stored for a long time (in a dry place) and are generally consumed after a meal, accompanied by a glass of wine for dipping.
Once upon a time, these Italian wine cookies were prepared only for parties, especially during the Christmas season. However, today you can find them in Italian pastry shops all year round. Without further ado, let’s jump right in to see how you can create this Lazio cookie tradition at home with this easy, traditional wine cookie recipe.
Ciambelline al Vino – Wine Cookies (yields approx. 40 cookies)
Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup red or white wine
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. baking powder
Flour (about half a pack)
Granulated sugar (as much as needed)
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 Degree Fahrenheit (175 Degree Celsius).
2) In a large mixing bowl, add the wine.
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3) Add in the sugar.
4) Add in the olive oil.
5) Add in the baking powder.
6) Mix all of the ingredients together well with a wooden spoon until the mixture is uniform.
7) Slowly begin to add in the flour. There is no exact measure of flour. Keep adding and stirring until you have as much as needed to make the mixture become a workable dough ball. It’ll come out to about half a pack of flour, give or take.
8) On a well-floured surface, knead the dough and then roll it out flat with a rolling pin.
9) Once completed, cut the dough in thin long strips.
10) Roll the strips out until they are fairly thin. Cut each rolled out strip in half and weave the two pieces together.
11) Once you’ve weaved the two strips of dough together, join the ends together to form a circle. Dip the circle in sugar until it well and evenly coated on one side. Place the circle, sugar side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12) Bake the wine cookies in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Traditionally, these wine cookies are to be served as a dessert. They were a cookie started as an old farmer’s tradition. Made with ingredients that were basic staples in even the poorest of households, they were meant to be dipped in wine and savored slowly after a nice meal. While absolutely delicious dipped in wine, especially of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo variety, these cookies also make a very tasty breakfast treat,additionally they are yummy dipped in your morning cappuccino.
Whether you have them for dessert or eat them for breakfast, these simple cookies are a real crowd pleaser and easy to make. So what are you waiting for? Give them a try today! Happy Eating!
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Want to learn more about great food in Rome and Lazio? Take The Roman Guy’s Trastevere “Locals” Food Tour next time you’re in town!
