Italian Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Italian Chestnut Tortelli Cookies are a traditional dessert from Southern Italy, especially enjoyed around the holidays. These delightful pastry-like cookies feature a tender dough filled with a rich, spiced chestnut and chocolate filling. Shaped like tortelli (Italian ravioli), they’re typically fried or baked and dusted with powdered sugar—perfect with a hot espresso or sweet dessert wine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A unique twist on holiday cookies with a creamy, nutty filling.
• Authentic Southern Italian tradition passed down through generations.
• Aromatic and flavorful thanks to chestnuts, rum, coffee, and cocoa.
• Perfect for gifting or sharing with family and friends during festive seasons.
• Fry or bake for your preferred texture—crispy or soft and golden.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Dry white wine
• Vegetable oil
• Water

For the Filling

• Cooked and peeled chestnuts
• Granulated sugar
• Dark chocolate, melted
• Strong brewed coffee (or espresso)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Rum
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
• Ground cinnamon

For Finishing

• Vegetable oil (for frying) or egg wash (for baking)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Make the Dough
   In a large bowl, combine flour, white wine, oil, and water. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a food processor, blend chestnuts, sugar, melted chocolate, coffee, cocoa, rum, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon until a thick paste forms.
3. Roll and Fill
   Roll dough into thin sheets using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Cut into small rectangles or circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each, fold over to enclose, and press the edges to seal tightly.
4. Cook the Cookies
   • To Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry cookies until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
   • To Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden.
5. Dust and Serve
   Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 48 cookies
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Alcohol-free version: Omit rum and use additional coffee or orange juice.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the filling.
• Chocolate lovers: Use chocolate dough for a cocoa-rich cookie.
• Spice it up: Add clove or nutmeg to the filling for a holiday flair.
• Baked option: For a lighter version, bake instead of frying.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm baked cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Fried cookies are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

What are Italian chestnut tortelli cookies?

They are sweet ravioli-style cookies filled with a spiced chestnut and chocolate mixture, either fried or baked and served with powdered sugar.

Can I use canned chestnuts?

Yes, canned or vacuum-packed chestnuts are great for saving time and work well in this recipe.

Is there a substitute for rum?

You can use amaretto, brandy, or simply replace with coffee or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, both the dough and the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to assemble.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely. Baked versions are slightly less crisp but still delicious—just brush with egg wash for a golden finish.

How should I seal the cookies?

Use a fork to crimp the edges, or press firmly with your fingers to avoid leaking during frying or baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, freeze them before or after cooking. Just reheat briefly in the oven to enjoy them warm.

How thin should the dough be?

Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick for the perfect bite—not too thick, not too delicate.

What type of wine is best for the dough?

Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best texture and flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use regular flour, but you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Conclusion

Italian Chestnut Tortelli Cookies are a festive and flavorful way to celebrate the season or bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen any time of year. With their rich filling and crisp or tender shells, they offer a nostalgic bite that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether fried or baked, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition.

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