Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these delightful Italian cookies featuring a soft, buttery texture and a festive green glaze. Perfect for gatherings, these cookies combine classic Italian flavors with a fun holiday twist through vibrant green coloring and sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1–2 tbsp Milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
- Green Food Coloring (for St. Patrick’s Day theme)
- Green Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for rich flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form balls of dough about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them spread evenly during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk (start with 1 tablespoon, add more as needed) to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Stir in green food coloring until you achieve the desired St. Patrick’s Day green hue.
- Glaze the Cookies: Using a spoon or a pastry brush, coat the cooled cookies with the green glaze. Allow the glaze to set slightly, then sprinkle the green sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
- Serve: Let the glaze fully set before serving these charming Italian cookies to friends and family as a sweet holiday treat.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not over-mix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Adjust milk quantity in the glaze slowly to achieve the perfect consistency for spreading or drizzling.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a festive touch, consider using different shades of green food coloring or edible glitter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
