Description
This Italian Cookies Recipe makes soft, buttery glazed cookies with classic almond and anise flavor, a tender crumb, and a sweet bakery-style finish. Perfect for holidays, cookie trays, Italian dessert tables, and everyday baking, these homemade Italian cookies are easy to make, beautiful to serve, and delicious with coffee, tea, or espresso.
Ingredients
2 1/2 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
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon anise extract
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons rainbow 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 mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the milk, almond extract, and anise extract until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently into balls.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
11. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until the glaze is smooth.
12. Spoon or dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze.
13. Add sprinkles right away if using, then let the glaze set before serving or storing.
Notes
For the best texture, do not overbake the cookies or they can lose their soft tender crumb.
If you prefer a brighter flavor, reduce the anise slightly and add a little extra lemon juice to the glaze.
Let the cookies cool completely before glazing so the topping stays smooth and sets properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 66 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg