Lady Locks Recipe

These tender, sweet Lady Locks are a classic Italian treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With a delicate crumb and subtle sweetness, these braided pastries are sure to impress at any gathering.

Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially with a little practice and patience.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.

Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add confectioners’ sugar and continue to mix until well combined.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat in vanilla extract.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Beat just until combined. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together.

Divide the dough into 7 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a long rope. Twist each rope into a lady lock shape, curling the ends towards each other to form a circle.

Place the lady locks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Notes

Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs, for a lighter lady lock texture.

Use high-quality confectioners’ sugar for a smoother sugar coating.

Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to a dense lady lock.

For a crisper lady lock, bake for the full 25 minutes, but keep an eye on them after 20 minutes in case your oven runs hot.

Experiment with different flavor extracts, like almond or lemon, for a unique twist on the classic lady lock.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 3g