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.
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