Best Easy Mustazzoli Recipe

Dense Pugliese spiced cookies coated in chocolate are chewy and aromatic. These traditional mediterranean biscuits are a family holiday baking tradition from southern Italy.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • almonds, finely chopped 0.75 cup
  • unsweetened cocoa powder 0.25 cup
  • baking powder 1 tsp
  • eggs 2 pieces
  • honey 0.33 cup
  • dark chocolate, for coating 6 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • ground cloves 0.25 tsp
  • freshly grated orange zest 1 tbsp
  • granulated sugar 0.5 cup
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 58%
Protein 3 g 5%
Fat 9 g 37%
Serving size 60g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves together to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.

  3. 3

    Add chopped almonds, orange zest, eggs, honey, and sugar to the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon, then knead gently until a dense, sticky dough forms. Control moisture by adding a touch of flour if overly sticky.

  4. 4

    With damp hands, shape dough into small ovals (about 2 inches). Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart for uniform baking.

  5. 5

    Bake for 20–22 minutes until lightly set but still soft—do not overbake to maintain chewiness. Cool completely on a rack before coating.

  6. 6

    Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Dip each cookie to coat. Let chocolate set fully before serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The heart of Mustazzoli is its blend of all-purpose flour, finely chopped almonds, and honey, creating a chewy, nutty, and aromatic cookie base. Spices like cinnamon and cloves, along with orange zest, provide the distinctive flavor these traditional Pugliese biscuits are known for.
Q. How do I make sure the cookies stay chewy and not dry?
Careful baking time is critical—bake the cookies just until set, about 20–22 minutes. Overbaking can dry them out. The dough should be sticky but manageable; adjust with a touch of flour if needed, but keep moisture to ensure chewiness.
Q. What is the calorie and nutrient content per serving?
Each 60g serving of Mustazzoli contains about 220 kcal, with 32g carbohydrates (58% of calories), 3g protein (5%), and 9g fat (37%). This makes it a sweet treat with a balanced macronutrient profile for a Mediterranean-style cookie.
Q. Which seasoning gives Mustazzoli its unique taste?
Ground cinnamon, cloves, and freshly grated orange zest are the key seasonings, infusing the cookies with their classic spiced aroma and subtle citrus finish. These accents are essential to Mustazzoli’s signature character.
Q. Why is chocolate coating done after cooling, and how do I avoid a mess?
Chocolate coating should only be done once the cookies are completely cool—this prevents melting and helps the chocolate set evenly. Use a low, gentle heat for melting chocolate and allow the cookies to set on parchment for a smooth finish.
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