From Calabria, traditional Easter cookies: Cudduraci

Cudduraci (also known as Cuddhuraci or 'Nguti) are a traditional Calabrian Easter dessert, instantly recognizable by their decoration with hard-boiled eggs and colorful sprinkles. These cookies come in a variety of shapes, and according to tradition, they are gifted to family and friends as a sign of good luck. Our Cesarina Antonella shares with us:  

"It is customary for young engaged women (‘zite’) to prepare a cudduraci for their fiancé as a symbol of love. The cookie is often shaped like a heart or as a ‘pupa’ (a doll) with a hard-boiled egg in its belly, symbolizing a wish for a happy and prosperous family. Tradition says that the larger the cudduraci, the greater the love for the recipient”.

Cudduraci are classic pantry cookies, as they stay fresh for over a week if kept away from direct air exposure. For best storage, keep them in a cookie tin or a plastic bag, ready to be enjoyed whenever the occasion arises. But be warned—they won’t last long! Their irresistible taste makes them hard to resist.

These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, dipped in milk or paired with coffee. They also make a delicious afternoon snack with tea and, surprisingly, pair wonderfully with cured meats and cheeses, much like bread.

Now, let’s discover how to prepare this traditional Calabrian Easter dessert with the authentic recipe from our Cesarina Antonella from Reggio Calabria!

"I remember that every year, since I was a child, my grandmother and I would prepare Cudduraci exactly four days before Easter. Then, we would enjoy them during the classic Easter Monday picnic, along with chocolate eggs”.