Torcetti Cookies Recipe: How to Make Mini Italian Twisted Cookies at Home

Torcetti cookies, also known as Italian twisted cookies, are a delightful treat with a crisp exterior and tender crumb. Originating from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, these traditional biscuits are often shaped by hand and coated in sugar before baking. Their twisted shape gives them a unique texture and visual charm, making them a perfect pairing with coffee, tea, or even a light dessert wine.

What sets torcetti apart from other cookies is the use of yeast in the dough, which brings a slight chewiness and richness to their texture. This recipe walks you through how to make mini torcetti cookies from scratch using basic pantry ingredients, all while keeping the classic Italian flair.

What Are Torcetti Cookies?

Torcetti are Italian yeast-based butter cookies that are shaped like little twists. Their name comes from the Italian word “torcere,” which means to twist. They are traditionally prepared using flour, butter, sugar, and yeast. After shaping them into small ropes and twisting, they’re rolled in granulated sugar and baked until golden brown.

These cookies are buttery, light, and slightly sweet, with a subtle crunch from the sugar coating. While they look fancy, torcetti are quite easy to make and don’t require any complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Mini Torcetti Cookies

The ingredient list for torcetti is simple and includes items you probably already have at home.

Dough:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

You can also flavor the dough lightly with lemon zest, orange zest, or vanilla extract if you want a twist on the classic.

Step-by-Step Torcetti Recipe

Follow these steps carefully for perfect mini twisted cookies every time.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This method gives the cookies their signature flaky texture.

Step 3: Combine and Knead

Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth. You don’t want an overly elastic dough like bread, but it should be soft and hold together.

Step 4: First Rest

Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour. The dough should double in size as the yeast activates and ferments.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into small pieces (around 20 to 24 depending on desired size). Roll each piece into a thin rope about 4 to 5 inches long. Twist the rope into a loose loop or classic torcetti shape.

Step 6: Coat in Sugar

Roll each shaped cookie in granulated sugar. This gives the cookie a crunchy, caramelized surface when baked.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the sugar-coated cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let them rest for another 15 to 20 minutes for a short second rise while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They should puff slightly and develop a crisp, sugary crust.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack completely before storing. They’ll crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Tips for Perfect Mini Torcetti

• Use cold butter for a flaky texture
• Avoid over-kneading to keep the dough tender
• Let the dough rise fully to get that light, airy bite
• Roll in sugar just before baking for the best caramelized crunch

These cookies are traditionally not overly sweet, so if you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to sprinkle extra sugar just before serving.

Serving Ideas

Torcetti are ideal with espresso or a strong black tea. Their slightly crisp outside and soft center make them an excellent light dessert or snack. For festive occasions, you can dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set, or dust them with cinnamon sugar for a holiday touch.

A Bite of Italy in Your Kitchen

Mini torcetti cookies bring a piece of Italian tradition to your home kitchen. They’re simple to make, don’t require special equipment, and are guaranteed to impress with their twisted shape and buttery bite. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want something different from the usual cookie jar classics, torcetti is a rewarding recipe to master. Try it once, and it may just become a new favorite.