That's especially true this time of year. In case you haven't noticed, there's an international conspiracy to make us Americans fatter during the holiday season.
Even the Italians are in on the action. So they exported these Stelle Di Notte (stars at night) cookies just in time for the season of overeating.
Even the Italians are in on the action. So they exported these Stelle Di Notte (stars at night) cookies just in time for the season of overeating.
They have a nice cocoa-ish flavor. I thought maybe the stars would function as marshmallows "floating" in the cocoa, but they're basically just there for decoration.
These cookies are crispy, light, and brittle. There's a dryness about them that just begs for a complimentary beverage. I've had them with both cold milk and hot coffee, and they go great with either.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with these chocolatey treats, but there's not much to set them far ahead of the many, many other cookie offerings we've tried from Trader Joe's, either. If you like cocoa-flavored crispy cookies, check these out. They seem somewhat festive, as there's a nice wintry theme going on here, although as far as I can tell, it's not particularly attached to any one religious holiday. If I worked for TJ's marketing department, I might have named them "Trader Joe's Jovial Non-Denominational Winter Cocoa Dunkers"
...which is probably one of the many reasons why I'll never work for Trader Joe's product marketing department.
Sonia and I give these cookies three and a half "stelle" a piece.
Bottom line: 7 out of 10.
I was super excited to see these in the store! I just came back from Italy and saw these in every grocery store I was in. I wanted to bring them home but was afraid they'd be demolished in my bag. I've been snacking on them and can't wait to have them with some Italian espresso that did make it home!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Sounds like you like them quite a bit. I bet they'd go great with real Italian espresso :)
DeleteI think it would be great crumbled over ice cream.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right...I'll have to try that!
DeleteWhen I'm not trying to be healthy (which is most of the time), I try a new cookie each time I shop at TJ. I probably go there 2-3x a month. I grabbed these and my cashier asked if I had tried them before. I said no- he said they are surprisingly good. I do enjoy them but they didn't stand out enough to purchase again. I also got the milk rolls based on your recommendation: SO GOOD. I only have two left. They are phenomenal with Nutella.
ReplyDeleteI still have to try them with Nutella!
DeleteTJs has the best assortment of holiday treats!! These don't sound quite special enough for my cookie calories though...
ReplyDeleteLast year i discovered my most favorite, the german nut based "cinnamon stars", the flavor is much more about the nuts with a little cinnamon and some supporting background spices, with a tender not too soft texture. Great with coffee, tea, or red wine :) i just picked up several packages!
Ttrockwood
Yes I've seen those. Haven't tried them yet though... **adds them to list
DeleteAhh Ja. Being German myself I know the cookies Trockwood speaks of. They are cinnamon nut cookies. Nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts and sometimes pecans are ground to make an awesome cookie dough. A good dose of cinnamon and also sometimes nutmeg are added. Not too sweet. Yummy! Great with hot chocolate and coffee. I will have to try Trader Joe's Cinnamon Stars this year to see how they compared to what I remember as a child.
ReplyDeleteThey sound kind of similar to the Pfeffernusse...?
DeleteActually Pfeffernusse are different. They are usually just one nut like pecans and have black pepper in them (hence the "Pfeffer"). Some add raisins. And the balls a rolled and confectioners sugar once they're done. I do like these also.
ReplyDeleteThese are the Pan Di Stelle Barilla has been selling in Italy for 30+ years.
ReplyDelete