Italian Pear Cookies
Soft, delicate cookies with a tender buttery dough and sweet pear filling hidden inside. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they feel comforting, nostalgic, and just a little bit special.
Ingredients
- 170 g butter
- 120 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 egg
- 330 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp flour (for dusting)
- 2 pears, finely chopped
- Powdered sugar, for finishing
Method
In a large bowl, whip the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until creamy, pale, and lightly fluffy.
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the whole egg and continue mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the flour and gently mix until a soft dough forms.
Dust lightly with 1 tablespoon of flour if needed, then shape the dough into a ball without overworking it.
Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Once chilled, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out.
Cut into rounds and place a small spoonful of finely chopped pears in the center of each.
Fold the dough around the filling and gently shape into balls.
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake at 180°C for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
