Description
Soft Italian cookies are sweet, tender, and finished with a glossy vanilla glaze that makes every bite feel bakery-fresh. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday dessert trays, Christmas cookies, Easter treats, party food ideas, make-ahead desserts, and simple cookie recipes to enjoy with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk, for glaze
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, for glaze
1/4 cup rainbow nonpareils or sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients in portions, alternating with the milk, and mix just until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop and roll the dough into small balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and set but still pale on top.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, add sprinkles right away, and let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
Do not overbake the cookies. They should stay pale on top with lightly golden bottoms.
Add sprinkles immediately after dipping each cookie because the glaze sets quickly.
For a traditional flavor, replace 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla extract in the dough with almond or anise extract.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 38mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Keywords: Italian cookies recipe, soft Italian cookies, glazed Italian cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday dessert