Best Easy Paste di Meliga Recipe

Cornmeal butter cookies from Piedmont are crumbly, golden, and subtly sweet. These rustic mediterranean biscuits are a family teatime tradition in Italy's northwest.

Cook 50 min Difficulty EASY 150 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • unsalted butter 1 stick
  • all-purpose flour 1 cup
  • fine yellow cornmeal 2 oz
  • egg yolk 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • granulated sugar 1 third cup
  • lemon zest 0.5 tsp
  • vanilla extract 0.5 tsp
  • pinch salt 1 pinch
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 19 g 51%
Protein 2 g 5%
Fat 7 g 44%
Serving size 35g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy release.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar together using a spatula until pale and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.

  3. 3

    Add the egg yolk, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.

  4. 4

    Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornmeal, then fold into the wet mixture in two batches. Mix gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overwork.

  5. 5

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a log about 1 inch thick. Slice into rounds or shape into rings with your fingers for the traditional look.

  6. 6

    Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 15–18 minutes—removing them when edges turn just golden, to preserve a tender, crumbly texture.

  7. 7

    Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer gently to a rack. Store airtight once completely cool.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient is fine yellow cornmeal. It gives Paste di Meliga their characteristic delicate crumble, golden hue, and subtle flavor, differentiating these cookies from typical butter cookies. The combination of cornmeal and wheat flour creates their unique identity.
Q. How do I achieve the ideal crumbly texture?
To get the signature crumbly texture, avoid overworking the dough—mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. Also, remove the cookies from the oven when their edges start turning golden but the centers are still soft. Letting them finish setting on the tray helps retain tenderness without overbaking.
Q. What is the calorie and macronutrient content per serving?
Each serving (35g cookie) contains approximately 150 kcal, 19g carbohydrates (51% of calories), 2g protein (5%), and 7g fat (44%). This balanced profile makes these cookies a classic indulgence enjoyed in moderation.
Q. Which step matters most for flavor development?
Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly in step 2 is crucial—it creates a light, even base. Adding fresh lemon zest and vanilla in step 3 builds aromatic depth. Using quality butter and processing the dough minimally amplifies both texture and taste.
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