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Crostoli

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Crostoli are traditional Italian fried pastries that are thin, crispy, and delicately dusted with powdered sugar. Light, airy, and subtly flavored with lemon and grappa, they’re a festive treat perfect for celebrations or a simple indulgent snack with coffee.

Ingredients

300 g all-purpose flour

40 g granulated sugar

1 pinch salt

2 medium eggs

60 g grappa, schnaps, or rum

30 g unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp milk (only if necessary)

Zest of 1 large lemon (organic)

1 liter sunflower or other neutral oil (for frying)

Powdered sugar, for garnish (vanilla flavored if desired)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
  2. Add eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest to the well. Stir with a fork from the center outward until a creamy mixture forms.
  3. Pour in the grappa and continue mixing until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding a splash of milk if too stiff.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  6. Divide the dough into 5 portions. Roll each portion paper thin using a rolling pin or pasta machine, dusting with flour as needed.
  7. Cut the sheets into medium rectangles with a fluted pastry cutter and arrange them on a lightly floured surface.
  8. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 175°C (350°F). Test by dropping a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
  9. Fry crostoli in small batches for 30–40 seconds per side until puffed and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  10. Once cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve.

Notes

Replace lemon zest with orange zest or add vanilla extract for flavor variation.

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute grappa with orange juice.

Ensure the oil stays hot for crispy, non-greasy crostoli.

For a lighter twist, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes instead of frying.

Store completely cooled crostoli in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/crostoli/