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Dry hazelnut biscuits

⏱ 20 min🍳 15 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

These dry biscuits – their full name being ‘Tozzetti con nocciole Monti Cimini’ - are a typical and traditional dessert from Viterbo. These biscuits, crispy and delicious, reminiscent of their famous cousins from Tuscany ‘cantucci’, are distinguished by the exclusive use of roasted hazelnuts which give them a unique and delicious flavour. The hazelnut Monti Cimini is in fact a nut renowned for its rounded shape and delicate aroma, and is in fact known as the ‘kind Roman’. Hazelnuts have been used since ancient times by the Romans, and this sweet comes from the ancient culinary tradition of Lazio. The preparation of these cookies is not time consuming, and the result pays off straight after the first taste. Although every family hands down their own recipe, which may also include the addition of liqueurs or other ingredients as desired, classic ‘tozzetti’ have simply a mixture of sugar, eggs, lemon, baking powder, oil, hazelnuts, and flour that we have faithfully followed in this recipe. These biscuits will delight your guests after a meal, for breakfast or as a snack. They are ideal even as a Christmas gift, especially if accompanied by vin santo, with which their flavour goes perfectly.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 680 kcal / serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
78g
Fat
38g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Prepare all the ingredients. Finely grate the zest of a lemon. Break the eggs into a large bowl, add the caster sugar and olive oil and mix. Stir in the baking powder and lemon zest. Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts, leaving some whole. Combine the nuts with egg mixture. Gradually add the flour. Mix well and knead the dough until you have smooth and soft consistency. With your hands, form the dough into loaves a few cm wide and 10-15 cm long and place on baking paper. Bake for about 20 minutes at 180 °C until lightly browned. Make vertical slices about 2cm thick whilst the ‘tozzetti’ are still hot and put them back in the oven to crisp them up slightly – just for a few minutes. Serve the ‘tozzetti’ once cooled, accompanied by a glass of vin santo.

Tips
If the dough is too hard you could possibly add a little milk or liqueur to taste. The oil gives a lightness to the dough.
Trivia
The ‘Tozzetti’ of Viterbo are prepared both by ordinary families and in the local workshops and bakeries of Viterbo, to be shipped around the world where they are always greatly sought after.

Step by step

Serve
Serve
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Additional information

Tozzetti with Hazelnuts from the Monti Cimini and Dark Chocolate

The Tozzetti with Hazelnuts from the Monti Cimini can be enriched with the addition of dark chocolate. This variant offers a pleasant contrast between the crunchiness of the hazelnuts and the intense sweetness of the chocolate. To prepare this version, simply melt some dark chocolate and mix it into the hazelnut mixture before forming the logs. The Tozzetti will be even more delicious and suitable to be served during the holidays or as a sweet accompaniment to coffee. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cookies perfect for chocolate lovers. Be sure to use high-quality chocolate to get the most out of your dessert.

Traditional Tozzetti from the Monti Cimini

The preparation of the Tozzetti from the Monti Cimini follows a traditional recipe that highlights the local hazelnuts. In this variant, whole hazelnuts can be kept for a better visual effect and greater crunchiness. Their roasting is essential to enhance their flavor. Additionally, the cooking process occurs in two phases: first, the logs are baked, and then they are sliced to obtain the tozzetti. This technique allows for perfectly crunchy cookies, ideal for dipping in sweet wine or coffee. Respecting tradition makes this variant perfect for those who wish to savor an authentic dessert rich in history.

Tozzetti with Hazelnuts from the Monti Cimini without Sugar

For those who desire a lighter version of the Tozzetti with Hazelnuts from the Monti Cimini, it is possible to prepare them without sugar. By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, a dessert is obtained that retains its rich and aromatic flavor but with lower caloric content. It is important to consider that honey will add more moisture, so it may be necessary to adjust the amount of flour. This variant is perfect for those following a low-sugar diet or looking to reduce their intake of refined sugars without giving up the pleasure of a good cookie.

Nutritional Benefits of Hazelnuts in Tozzetti from the Monti Cimini

Hazelnuts, the main ingredient in Tozzetti, are an excellent source of essential nutrients. Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, these nuts offer numerous health benefits. They contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, they are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health and immune function. A serving of Tozzetti with hazelnuts provides about 150-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. By choosing to prepare the Tozzetti with high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy a healthy and nutritious dessert.

Can Tozzetti with Hazelnuts from the Monti Cimini be Stored?

Yes, Tozzetti with Hazelnuts from the Monti Cimini can be stored for a long time, thanks to their dry and crunchy texture. It is advisable to keep them in an airtight container, away from moisture sources, to maintain their freshness and crunchiness. They can last up to three weeks if stored properly. If you wish to extend their shelf life further, you can also freeze them; in this case, make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or food bags. At the time of consumption, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours to return them to their original texture.