Name: Italian Cookies for St Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Green food coloring; Green and white sprinkles for decoration

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If you’re searching for a vibrant treat that brings a festive flair to your table, Italian Cookies for St are just the answer. These cheerful cookies combine the soft, cake-like texture loved in Italian bakeries with a playful green glaze and sprinkles, making them the perfect marriage of tradition and holiday spirit. Whether you’re gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day festivities or just want to try something uniquely delightful, these cookies bring a little bit of European charm into every bite. Prepare to watch them disappear as fast as you can bake them!

Italian Cookies for St Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, whether it’s shaping the signature softness or brightening the cookies with a touch of green. Gather these reliable staples for a batch you’ll be proud to serve—and maybe even share!

All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, tender base and ensures the cookies keep their lovely cake-like crumb.
Baking powder: This is your secret to those cookies puffing up perfectly and staying soft.
Salt: Just a bit will balance out all the sweet and bring out the flavors of the extracts.
Granulated sugar: Adds both sweetness and that slightly crisp edge Italian cookies are known for.
Unsalted butter (softened): Don’t skip the softening step—it helps create a light, fluffy dough.
Large eggs: These provide structure and give the cookies that rich, golden color.
Milk: A splash keeps these cookies extra moist and tender.
Vanilla extract: Classic warmth and that familiar bakery aroma in each bite.
Almond extract: Signature nuttiness—feel free to dial this up if you love a stronger almond flavor.
Powdered sugar: The base of your glaze, it gives a smooth, shiny finish with every dip.
Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve that pourable, glossy icing you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): We double down, for extra flavor in the icing too.
Green food coloring: The pop of color that makes these Italian Cookies for St irresistible atop any dessert table.
Green and white sprinkles: Instant festive charm—your cookies will sparkle and shine for the big celebration!

How to Make Italian Cookies for St

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and ensure your cookies don’t stick. This step is key for even baking, so no peeking until you’re ready to pop the dough in!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Blending these dry ingredients first guarantees that your baking powder is evenly distributed, which means each cookie puffs up perfectly without any surprises.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Take a large bowl and beat your softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process makes a world of difference—don’t rush it, because fluffy butter means fluffy Italian Cookies for St!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Crack your eggs in, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once they’re fully incorporated, pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, continuing to mix until everything is smooth and fragrant. This ensures your cookies will taste as beautiful as they look.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet batter, a little at a time. Stir until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix. Too much stirring can make your cookies tough, and we’re after that delicate, cake-like crumb.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a neat ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread and rise. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for just a hint of golden color underneath while the tops stay pale for that characteristic look.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let your cookies cool on wire racks. This is important for setting that soft, fluffy texture, and it ensures they’re ready for their glorious green glaze.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together your powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix until you have a smooth, glossy glaze. The food coloring is what makes your Italian Cookies for St completely pop with St. Patrick’s Day cheer!

Step 9: Dip and Decorate

Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops gently into the glaze and let any excess drip off. Immediately shower them with green and white sprinkles and set them back on the rack to let the glaze firm up. You’ll love watching them transform into edible jewels!

How to Serve Italian Cookies for St

Garnishes

For the cherry on top, nothing beats the punchy combo of green and white sprinkles. If you want to go all out, try finishing a few with edible gold dust or crushed pistachios for extra flair. Italian Cookies for St become absolute showstoppers with just these simple finishing touches!

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside a creamy Irish coffee or a pot of strong black tea. A scoop of vanilla gelato or a bowl of fresh berries makes the plate look even more inviting, and perfectly complements the almond and vanilla notes in the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not arrange your Italian Cookies for St in the shape of a shamrock on a platter? You could also slip a few into clear treat bags tied with green ribbon for a memorable party favor. For a showy centerpiece, stack them on a tiered cake stand amongst faux clovers or mini flags!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Cookies for St keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. The glaze helps seal in moisture, so your cookies stay soft and full of flavor.

Freezing

Once fully cooled and glazed, you can freeze these cookies in layers, separated by parchment paper, in an airtight box for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, and add extra sprinkles if you like to pep up their festive look after defrosting.

Reheating

If you’d like to refresh the cookies after storage, give them a few seconds in the microwave (without any metallic decorations). They’ll regain that irresistible bakery-fresh aroma and just-out-of-the-oven softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute another extract for almond?

Absolutely! If almond isn’t your favorite or someone in your crowd has an allergy, swap in lemon or orange extract for a zesty twist on traditional Italian Cookies for St.

Is it necessary to use food coloring?

While green food coloring gives these cookies their festive personality, feel free to skip it if you prefer a subtler look. The cookies are just as delicious with or without color.

What’s the best way to measure flour?

For soft, light Italian Cookies for St, fluff your flour, lightly spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off. Too much flour can make your cookies dry, so don’t pack it down!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully if you’d like to make a big batch for a party or to give as gifts. Just make sure to use a large mixing bowl, and rotate baking sheets between oven racks for even baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still boast that signature Italian Cookies for St taste and festive spirit.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing Italian Cookies for St with loved ones—they bring a smile to anyone who sees (or bites into!) their green glaze and sweet sprinkles. Whether it’s for a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration or just to try an irresistibly soft, flavorful cookie, this recipe truly shines. Grab your apron and bake up a batch… you won’t regret making these treats the highlight of your next holiday table!

Italian Cookies for St Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a delightful twist by baking these Italian Cookies that are soft, cake-like, and topped with a festive green glaze. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Green and white sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and green food coloring until smooth.
Decorate: Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, then decorate with sprinkles.
Set and serve: Allow the glaze to set before serving.