Venetian Cornmeal Cookies (Zaeti)
These delightful Italian cookies, known as Zaeti, are a traditional Venetian treat. Made with a blend of cornmeal and wheat flour, they offer a unique crumbly texture and a subtle sweetness, often enhanced with raisins and a touch of lemon zest. Perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 167 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, milk, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 120 gall-purpose flour
- 100 gfine cornmeal
- 100 ggranulated sugar
- 80 gunsalted butter, softened
- 1 pcsegg, large
- 50 graisins
- 1 tspbaking powder
- 1 tsplemon zest
- 0.5 tspvanilla extract
- 0.25 tspsalt
- 2 tbspmilk(optional)
Equipment
baking sheet · large bowl · wire rack · parchment paper · whisk · small bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
About 5 min
- 2
In a small bowl, soak the raisins in warm water for 5-10 minutes to plump them up, then drain well and pat dry.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This step makes the raisins extra juicy and prevents them from burning during baking.
- 3
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
About 1 min
- 4
Add the softened unsalted butter, egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
About 1 min
- 5
Mix with your hands or a spoon until a crumbly dough forms, then incorporate the drained raisins.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: If the dough seems too dry, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it comes together.
- 6
Take small portions of the dough and shape them into oval or diamond-shaped cookies, about 5-6 cm long.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Aim for a consistent size so the cookies bake evenly.
- 7
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
About 1 min
- 8
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm to the touch.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Keep an eye on them towards the end as baking times can vary.
- 9
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
About 5 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 167.4kcal
- Protein
- 2.5g
- Carbs
- 25.7g
- Fat
- 6.3g
- Fibre
- 0.6g
- Sugar
- 11.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store cooled Zaeti in an airtight container at room temperature.
More recipes
All recipesbeverage
Perked Wassail
A warm, spiced fruit punch made easily in a coffee percolator. This festive beverage combines apple, cranberry, and citrus juices with classic mulling spices for a comforting drink perfect for autumn and winter gatherings.
20 min 237 kcaldessert
Delizia al Limone
These delightful individual lemon cakes are soaked in a limoncello syrup, filled with a creamy lemon custard, and draped in a light lemon glaze. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an elegant dessert.
4 hr 30 min 562 kcaldessert
Zalabya
These Egyptian fried dough balls are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup. A delightful vegan dessert, they are perfect for sharing or as a special treat.
1 hr 35 min 577 kcaldessert
Khao Niao Dam (Black Sticky Rice Pudding)
This comforting Thai dessert features chewy black sticky rice simmered in rich coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar. It's a simple, naturally vegan treat that offers a delightful contrast in textures and a warm, nutty flavor. Perfect for a satisfying end to any meal.
1 hrsnack
Casatiello
Casatiello is a magnificent savory Neapolitan bread, traditionally gracing Easter tables. This rich, aromatic loaf is studded with cured meats and cheeses, then baked with whole eggs nestled into its golden crust, offering a truly unique and satisfying culinary experience.
5 hr 15 min 543 kcalsnack
Patatje Oorlog (Dutch 'War' Fries)
Patatje Oorlog, literally 'fries war', is a popular Dutch street food snack featuring crispy fries smothered in a delightful combination of peanut sauce, mayonnaise, and raw onions. This vegetarian version captures the classic flavors and textures for a satisfying treat.
30 min 953 kcalside dish
Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas)
Arroz con Gandules is a classic Puerto Rican rice dish featuring pigeon peas, sofrito, and aromatic spices. It's often served as a side dish for holidays and special occasions, but easy enough for any weeknight meal. This vegan version captures all the traditional flavors.
1 hr 5 min 362 kcal