Ingredients

  • Dough
  • 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • Icing
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Multi-colored nonpareils, optional

Method

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set racks in upper and lower thirds.
  • 2. To make the dough, combine the flour and baking powder, stirring well to mix.
  • 3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then add remaining ingredients to the eggs in order. Fold the egg mixture into the flour mixture.
  • 4. Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead lightly to mix. Separate into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then form each rope into a circle. Place 5 or 6 cookies on each pan.
  • 5. Bake the taralli until puffed and deep golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on racks.
  • 6. To make the icing, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat gently until lukewarm. Brush over the tops of the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with multi-colored nonpareils, if using.
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