Italian Cookie Recipe..you may see these at our Annual Easter Bake Sale !

Check out this excellent recipe!

For the cookies:

• all-purpose flour – the flour provides the structure of these cookies. Make sure to spoon and level for accurate measurement.

• baking powder – this is the leavening agent in this cookie recipe.

• salt – needed for balance and flavor.

• granulated sugar – for a perfectly sweet cookie.

• unsalted butter – Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. If you have salted butter, that’s fine, just omit the salt from the recipe.

• vanilla extract – I like to add some vanilla extract in addition to the almond extract to really round out the flavors.

• almond extract – commonly used to flavor Italian Wedding Cookies in the Unites States but can be swapped out with anise flavoring, the more traditional ingredient.

• eggs – room temperature eggs will incorporate more easily into the dough.

For the glaze:

• powdered sugar

• milk – or cream.

• almond extract – vanilla extract or lemon juice can be substituted.

• liquid food coloring

How To Make Italian Cookies

1. Preheat oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Whisk together the all purpose flour, salt and baking powder.

3. Beat together butter, granulated sugar and both the vanilla and almond extracts until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs, one at a time.

5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

6. Scoop cookie dough and shape into balls. Place on baking sheet.

7. Bake for 12 to 15 or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

8. Rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Italian Cookies Glaze

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth.

2. Divide the glaze equally into 3 bowls (or however many colors you want) and tint with food coloring.

3. Dip the cooled cookies in the glaze and decorate with sprinkles.

4. Allow them to set up on a plate before serving. (Consider double dipping the cookies for a deeper glaze color.)

These cookie are not overly sweet. Consider double dipping your cookies in the glaze for a little extra sweetness. Let the first dip set up completely, then dip again and add the sprinkles.

Hope you enjoy this recipe, and please stop by our Annual Bake sale being held at The Southbridge Italian Club Hall, 20 North Street, Southbridge Ma., 01550 on SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH...11 AM....ALSO, CHECK OUT OUR EVENT PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP AND LEND A HAND WITH SOME BAKED GOODS IF YOUR ABLE!