Soft Italian Cookies
These tender Italian cookies are buttery, lightly sweet, and finished with a thin vanilla glaze. The dough stays soft enough to shape without chilling, making them fun for kids and adults alike.
Instructions
10 steps-
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs and continue beating until fully incorporated.
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Stir in the milk, vanilla, and pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a firm dough forms. If shaping into twists or knots, add up to an additional cup of flour until the dough is manageable.
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Break off roughly a tablespoon‑sized piece of dough, roll into a ball or shape as desired, and place on the prepared sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
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Bake on the middle rack for 8 minutes.
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Let the cookies cool on the sheet for at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk until very thin. Brush the glaze over fully cooled cookies, then sprinkle with nonpareils or sprinkles if using.
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Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips
If the dough feels too soft to shape, incorporate additional flour a tablespoon at a time, up to one extra cup. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze tightly wrapped for longer storage.
Video
“An Old Family Recipe for Soft Italian Cookies” by Sugar Spun Run, watch on YouTube.
About this recipe
The cookies have a delicate crumb and a subtle vanilla flavor, enhanced by a glossy powdered‑sugar glaze. They stay soft after baking, especially when stored in an airtight container, and can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with sprinkles for a festive touch.
Serve them as a sweet breakfast treat, an after‑dinner dessert, or a party snack. They pair well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and they freeze well for future gatherings.
