Name: Delicious Italian Sugar Cookies for Every Occasion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter (softened); 1/2 cup cane sugar; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg (beaten); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons salted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup nonpareils (give or take)

Italian Sugar Cookies bring a sweet touch to any gathering, especially during the holiday season. These soft, sweet cookies are adorned with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this easy drop cookie recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Let’s dive into how to create these delightful treats that will leave your loved ones asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sugar Cookies

There are numerous reasons to adore these Italian cookies. First, they are incredibly soft, ensuring a delightful bite every time. Secondly, the simple icing adds a sweet finishing touch that can be customized with your favorite colors, making them perfect for any occasion. Third, this recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors like lemon zest or anise, leading to unique variations like anise-flavored Italian cookies. Moreover, they are ideal for holiday celebrations, especially as they are often referred to as Italian holiday sugar cookies. Lastly, they can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for busy bakers. With their traditional recipe rooted in Italian culture, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite.

Delicious Italian Sugar Cookies for Every Occasion - Italian Sugar Cookies - main visual representation

Ingredients for Italian Sugar Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup salted butter (softened)
1/2 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup nonpareils (give or take)

How to Make Italian Sugar Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Before getting started, preheat your oven to 350ºF, and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together the butter, cane sugar, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, baking powder, and sea salt.
Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Scoop the dough into balls and place on the cookie sheet.
Step 6: Bake at 350° F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies start to turn a slight golden color.
Step 7: Using a cookie spatula, remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Step 8: In a large bowl, mix together the butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Step 9: Add the powdered sugar and milk to the mixture, whisking until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze, and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils.
Step 11: Place back on the wire rack until the glaze dries. Then store in an airtight container.

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sugar Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft when you remove them from the oven.
Experiment with flavors—try adding lemon zest or using almond extract for a unique twist.
This recipe is a great base for other Italian sweet cookies variations.
Use fun sprinkles to make them festive for holidays.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Sugar Cookies

These cookies shine at any gathering! Serve them as part of a dessert platter during holiday meals, or package them in decorative boxes as gifts. For a delightful twist, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve the Italian sugar cookies with frosting for an extra sweet touch, making them even more appealing.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Sugar Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to make them in advance, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep during busy holiday seasons!

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sugar Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Sugar Cookies?

The secret lies in not overbaking them. You want them to remain soft and chewy. Also, using high-quality ingredients like real butter and fresh extracts will enhance the flavor significantly. Learn more about baking tips.

Can I make Italian Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just scoop the dough balls and freeze them, then bake fresh cookies whenever you desire!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Sugar Cookies?

Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture. Check out more common baking mistakes.

Variations of Italian Sugar Cookies You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with your cookies! You can make Italian almond sugar cookies by using almond extract instead of vanilla. Another great variation is to add anise for a delightful twist, creating anise-flavored Italian cookies. For a festive touch, consider making Italian sprinkle cookies by adding colorful sprinkles to the dough before baking. Explore more variations.