Traditional Italian Lattughe Recipe: A Delicious Sweet Treat

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups of white flour
  • 3/4 cup of potato starch
  • 3/4 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons of dark rum
  • 1 cup of apricot jam

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the white flour, potato starch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and dark rum.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
  7. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut into rectangles.
  8. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Spread half of the cookies with the apricot jam, then top with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to adhere.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
  • Substitute the apricot jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm and aromatic twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of white flour.
  • Top the cookies with a chocolate ganache instead of jam for a decadent variation.
  • Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
  • Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies for a tangy and refreshing twist.
  • For a savory version, omit the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and instead add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
  • Make a sandwich cookie by spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
  • Replace the rum with orange juice or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Lattughe are delightful little sandwich cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Originating from Italy, these cookies have a pronounced sweet and buttery flavor, enhanced with a hint of vanilla and rum. The dough, made with a mix of flour and potato starch, creates a light, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The filling, a sweet layer of apricot jam, adds a tangy contrast to the rich cookie. Making Lattughe is a straightforward process that involves making the dough, cutting it into rectangles, baking, and then assembling the sandwiches with a hearty helping of jam. Enjoy these unique cookies at any time of the day or serve them at your next gathering for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? It is best to use white flour for this recipe to achieve the desired texture and taste.
  2. Can I substitute the potato starch with something else? Potato starch provides a unique lightness to the cookies, but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with cornstarch.
  3. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar? Powdered sugar is recommended for this recipe as it helps create a smoother texture in the dough. Granulated sugar may result in a different texture.
  4. Can I omit the rum? Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit the rum. You can replace it with an equal amount of milk or water if desired.
  5. Can I use a different flavor of jam? Yes, you can use a different flavor of jam if you prefer. Other fruit jams such as raspberry or strawberry can be great alternatives.
  6. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the cookies in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Medium bowl - Used to whisk together the dry ingredients.
  • Large bowl - Used to beat the butter and mix the dough.
  • Whisk - Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
  • Electric mixer - Used to beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Cookie cutter - Used to cut the dough into rectangular shapes.
  • Wire rack - Used to cool the baked cookies.
  • Knife or spatula - Used to spread the apricot jam on the cookies.

Origin stories

Lattughe is a delicious treat hailing from the region of Lombardy in Northern Italy. They are traditionally prepared during the Carnival season, which bridges winter and spring. The name "Lattughe" translates to "lettuce" in English, but fear not, there's not a hint of greens in this sweet delicacy! The name is believed to have stemmed from their original shape, which was reminiscent of a head of lettuce. Nowadays, they are often made in rectangular shapes, filled with apricot jam, and provide a delightful crunch with each bite, a far cry from the namesake leafy vegetable. So, whether you're celebrating Carnival or just in the mood for a sweet Italian pastry, Lattughe is sure to bring a taste of Lombardy's tradition to your table.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.