Wine Cookies Ciambelle al Vino Recipe

Introduction

Ciambelle al Vino, or wine cookies, are delightful Italian treats with a subtle sweetness and a hint of anise. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• ½ cup white wine (dry)
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup oil (vegetable oil or light olive oil)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• Sugar for coating
• ½ – 1 teaspoon anise seeds (optional, add with the flour)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the white wine, oil, sugar, salt, and baking powder. If using, add the anise seeds now. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour a little at a time, stirring until the dough comes together into a soft ball.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently about 10 times. Avoid overworking the dough as it should remain soft.
5. Step 5: Pinch off small portions of dough and roll each into a chubby rope about 5 inches (13 cm) long.
6. Step 6: Bring the ends of each rope together to form a circle. Dip the rings in sugar to coat.
7. Step 7: Place the sugar-coated rings on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden in color. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• Add anise seeds for a traditional flavor or substitute with lemon zest for a fresh twist.
• Use light olive oil for a more aromatic cookie, or vegetable oil for a neutral taste.
• Roll cookies thicker or thinner depending on whether you prefer a chewier or crisper texture.

Storage

Store the wine cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh their crispness, warm gently in an oven for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red wine instead of white wine?

Yes, you can substitute red wine, but it will slightly alter the flavor and color of the cookies. Dry wines work best.

What if I don’t have anise seeds?

The anise seeds add a subtle licorice flavor typical of traditional ciambelle al vino, but the cookies will still be delicious without them. You can also try fennel seeds or omit entirely.

Wine Cookies Ciambelle al Vino Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 75 reviews

Traditional Italian Wine Cookies, known as Ciambelle al Vino, are light, crisp rings infused with dry white wine and lightly sweetened. These simple, rustic cookies feature a delicate hint of anise and a sugar coating for a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for pairing with coffee or tea.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ – 1 teaspoon anise seeds (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup white wine (dry)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or light olive oil

Extras

• Sugar for coating the cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the white wine, vegetable or light olive oil, sugar, salt, and baking powder. If using anise seeds, add them with the dry ingredients now.
3. Add Flour Gradually: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and is soft but manageable.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently about 10 times. Avoid overworking to keep the dough soft and tender.
5. Shape the Cookies: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll each into a chubby rope approximately 5 inches (13 cm) long. Bring the ends of each rope together to form a ring shape.
6. Coat with Sugar: Dip each dough ring into granulated sugar to coat the surface evenly, then transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden in color and are crisp to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a delightful snack.

Notes

• For an authentic touch, use dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Anise seeds add a subtle licorice flavor typical of traditional Italian versions; omit if not preferred.
• Do not over-knead the dough to keep the cookies tender and light.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness for up to a week.
• The dough is soft; dusting your hands with flour while shaping helps prevent sticking.

Keywords: Italian wine cookies, Ciambelle al Vino, anise cookies, dry white wine cookie, traditional Italian dessert, baked cookies, sweet rings, holiday cookies