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)

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Italian Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of Italy right into your kitchen. These cookies are soft, sweet, and adorned with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them a favorite for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Their delightful flavor and charming appearance make them a must-try recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sugar Cookies

There are many reasons to adore these Italian Sugar Cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect even for novice bakers. Second, they feature a delightful blend of flavors, thanks to the combination of butter, vanilla, and a hint of almond. Third, these cookies are soft and tender, perfect for anyone who prefers a chewy texture over a crunchy one. In addition, they can easily be dressed up for special occasions or kept simple for everyday enjoyment. You’ll find that they are also perfect for holiday gatherings, making them one of the most popular Italian Christmas Cookies. With variations like Italian Anise Cookies and Italian Sprinkle Cookies, this recipe offers something for everyone.

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 salt.
Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Scoop the dough into balls and place them 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 softened for easier mixing.
For the best flavor, use high-quality extracts.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft when they come out of the oven.
Consider adding a touch of lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Sugar Cookies

These cookies can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Serve them at holiday parties, especially as part of a dessert platter with Italian Biscotti and Italian Butter Cookies.
Add them to a festive cookie jar for a beautiful display.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Sugar Cookies

For best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their softness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sugar Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Sugar Cookies?

The key to perfect Italian Sugar Cookies is not overmixing your dough and ensuring you don’t bake them for too long. Keeping them soft and slightly underbaked will give you that delightful chewy texture.

Can I make Italian Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for a week.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Sugar Cookies?

Avoid common mistakes by measuring your ingredients accurately and not skipping the chilling time for the dough if needed. This will help maintain the right texture for your cookies.

Variations of Italian Sugar Cookies You Can Try

Here are a few variations to consider:

Add a hint of orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
Try adding different extracts like hazelnut for a unique twist.
Make Italian Sugar Cookies with Icing for a festive look.
Experiment with different types of sprinkles or nuts for decoration.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making gingerbread cookies for the holidays. If you’re looking for a twist, consider cranberry orange pancakes as a delightful breakfast option!