ITALIAN COOKIES

There’s something undeniably charming about Italian Cookies. These soft, round treats, dipped in a creamy glaze and adorned with colorful sprinkles, are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, they shine especially bright during holidays, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Cookies are not only straightforward to make, but they also deliver on flavor and presentation. Traditionally flavored with anise, these cookies offer a unique taste that some may find reminiscent of black licorice. However, in this version, we’ve opted for almond extract to cater to those who prefer a milder, more universally appealing flavor. Don’t like almond either? Vanilla works just as well!

These cookies are versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences and event needs, making them a fun and colorful addition to any gathering.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack
• Glass measuring cup (for warming cream)

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 4 tsp. baking powder

For the Icing:

• 2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 6 tsp. water

Instructions

1. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough lightly, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Pinch off small portions of dough, roll them into logs, and twirl into shape.
6. Place the cookies on greased baking sheets and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
7. While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by stirring together the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth.
8. Dip each cooled cookie into the icing, then sprinkle with decorations. Place on a wire rack to set, with wax paper underneath to catch drips.

Tips for Success

• Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their round shape.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
• Warm the cream for the glaze slightly to make it easier to mix and dip.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Freeze the unglazed cookies if making them ahead of time. Thaw completely before glazing.
• For additional flavor, try using lemon or orange zest in the dough.
• Experiment with different sprinkle colors to match the theme of your event.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different extract flavor? Yes, you can replace almond extract with vanilla or even lemon extract for a different flavor profile.

How should I store Italian Cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can these cookies be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies without glaze and glaze them on the day you plan to serve them.

Conclusion

Italian Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a splash of color and a burst of flavor to any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Give this recipe a try and share your experiences in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear how they turned out for you!