Get ready to elevate your holiday dessert spread with these delightful Italian cookies! Buttery, flavorful, and topped with a glossy glaze, these treats are a must-have on every festive table. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under an hour!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp. baking powder
Icing:
- 2 cups sifted confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 6 tsp. water (2 tablespoons)
Instructions
For the Cookies:
- In a bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Knead the dough until it’s firm and not sticky, adding a little more flour if needed.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper.
- Roll small portions of dough into 6-inch strips on a floured surface. Twist into desired shapes and place on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned and the tops remain pale.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Icing:
- In a bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. The icing should be thick yet pourable.
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- If desired, add sprinkles while the icing is still wet for extra flair.
- Let the cookies sit until the icing sets before serving or storing.
Enjoy your festive Italian cookie delights!
