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Cavallucci

(Cavallucci di Siena)

These traditional Italian Christmas cookies were originally invented in Siena. They have a soft texture and consist of flour, nuts, candied fruit, and various spices. Originally, cavallucci were prepared without nuts or candied fruit – only flour, sugar, honey, and anise seeds were used.

The name is believed to be a derivation of the word cavallo, meaning horse – this is either a reference to their shape, which is reminiscent to a horse hoof, or because they were imprinted with a tiny horse on top in the past.

Siena, Italy

Cavallucci Authentic recipe

PREP 20min

COOK 15min

READY IN 35min

This authentic recipe for cavallucci cookies is adapted from www.visittuscany.com and is official recipe of the Tuscany Tourism Organization.

VIEW RECIPE

WHERE TO EAT The best Cavallucci in the world (according to food experts)

Lonely Planet and 8 other food critics.

"It's a great place to sample Sienese treats including cavallucci (chewy biscuits flavoured with aniseed and other spices)."

Lonely Planet and 5 other food critics.

"Lorenzo Rossi is Siena's best baker, and his panforte, ricciarelli (sugar-dusted chewy almond biscuits) and cavallucci (chewy biscuits flavoured with aniseed and other spices) are a weekly purchase for most local households. Try them at his bakery and shop behind the Duomo, and you'll understand why."