Italian cookies are a delightful treat that evoke the warmth of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. With their soft, buttery texture and a hint of almond sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from a simple weeknight dessert to a festive cookie platter for Christmas. I fell in love with this recipe because it captures the essence of Italian baking: rich flavors, simple ingredients, and a touch of elegance.
Why you’ll love this dish
These Italian cookies stand out for several compelling reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. They are versatile, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a delightful gift for loved ones. The soft texture combined with the sweet glaze and fun sprinkles makes them a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is a fantastic way to introduce the joy of baking to the younger generation.
"These cookies are a family favorite! They’re soft, delicious, and the almond flavor is just divine. I love making them for birthdays and holidays!" — Maria T., Home Baker
The cooking process explained
Making Italian cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. First, you’ll cream together the butter and sugar to create a light and fluffy base, then add in the eggs, milk, and almond extract for moisture and flavor. Next, mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and fold them into the wet mixture, resulting in a thick dough. Once you’ve formed the dough into rounded tablespoons and baked them to golden perfection, the cookies cool before being dipped in a sweet glaze and adorned with colorful sprinkles.
What you’ll need
To whip up these delightful Italian cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, soft at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
- Rainbow-colored nonpareil sprinkles
Feel free to experiment with different extracts or even citrus zest to personalize the flavor!
