The “cudduraci” are traditional Easter sweets from Calabria, usually made with family and children during the holidays, in Holy Week.
These cookies have characteristic shapes like braids, baskets, chicks, hearts, and can be decorated with hard-boiled eggs, confectionery, or icing. Their history is tied to ancient traditions, where they symbolize rebirth and fertility, elements very present in the Calabrian rural culture.
Here’s my simple version with Oil, and LACTOSE-FREE.
Here are other characteristic cookies of the tradition:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 12
- Cooking methods: Oven, Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Easter, Spring, Summer
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 whole eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn oil
- 1 tbsp baking powder (1 packet)
- to taste vanilla
- to taste lemon zest
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 eggs (hard-boiled)
- to taste colored sprinkles
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Tools
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Fork
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
Steps
1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar. Add the oil and start working with a fork.
2. Add flour and baking powder: add the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Knead well for a few minutes, until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough.
3. Shape the cudduraci: Take small portions of dough and form ropes. Twist them to create ring or heart shapes. You can also make small spirals.
4. Decorate: Place the hard-boiled eggs in the center of the shapes and add colored sprinkles to decorate.
5. Baking: Place the cudduraci on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
6. Cooling: Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack.
There you have it! Your Calabrian cudduraci are ready to be enjoyed. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.Enjoy your meal!
The cudduraci, typical Easter sweets, can be stored to maintain their freshness and goodness. Here are some storage tips:
1. Airtight Container: After the cudduraci have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. This will help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
2. Cool and Dry Place: Store the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in humid places, as moisture can affect their texture.
3. Freezing: If you wish to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or in freezer-safe food bags. When you want to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
By following these simple steps, your cudduraci will remain delicious and ready to enjoy!
If you have any other questions or curiosities, feel free to ask!
