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Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Pizzicati, or Italian Pinch Cookies, are a delicate and buttery shortbread-style cookie with a fruity jam filling. Their signature “pinched” shape makes them as pretty as they are delicious. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or a simple everyday treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 23 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk (as needed)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (120g) fruit jam or preserves (e.g., apricot, raspberry, or cherry)



Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a soft, pliable consistency.
  3. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Shape the Cookies:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  3. Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Place a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of jam in the center of each circle.
  4. Pinch two opposite sides of the circle together, creating the signature “pinch” shape around the jam filling. Press gently to seal.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.



Notes

  • Use a thick jam or preserves to prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • For added flair, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.