Tarall(Italian Sugar Cookies)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: Italian

Delicious Italian taralli cookies featuring a tender crumb with subtle hints of lemon and anise, perfect for teatime or festive occasions, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, aromatic treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb. butter
  • 1/3 cup peanut oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract
  • 5 cups flour
  • 4 tablespoons baking powder

Instructions

  1. Blend butter and peanut oil together until smooth.
  2. Add sugar and cream well.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter.
  5. Pinch off small pieces of dough, roll into knots or braids.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the peanut oil with olive oil. If you prefer a different taste, almond or vanilla extract can replace the anise extract. Make sure to sift the flour and baking powder to ensure a light and fluffy texture in your Tarall. When rolling the dough, keep them uniform in size for even baking.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful Tarall cookies are perfect for coffee or tea time and pair beautifully with Spaghetti Al Olio for a full Italian experience. Consider serving them alongside a fruit platter or a light cheese board. They also make a wonderful gift when packaged in a decorative box for special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Tarall in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, which will help restore their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tarall(Italian Sugar Cookies) contains roughly 3243 calories, with 18g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 317g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (165% of the Daily Value), calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2404mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

3243 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.1g 36% DV
Total Fat 317.1g 100% DV
Carbs 96.1g 35% DV
Fiber 12.2g 44% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2404.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 1477.4mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 26.3mg 29% DV
Calcium 893.8mg 69% DV
Iron 29.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may alter the texture slightly. Make sure to adjust the liquid content if using alternative flours, as they may absorb moisture differently.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the cookies tough. A dusting of flour on your work surface can also help with rolling.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Absolutely! You can freeze the Tarall dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Italian recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →