How to Make Authentic Italian Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

What I love most about this Authentic Italian Sugar Cookies recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can add lemon, almond, or vanilla (or keep them plain), and each batch comes out a little different but always goes fast in my house.

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Ingredients for Italian Sugar Cookies

To make delicious Italian Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• Butter: 1 cup (softened) – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture.
• Eggs: 2 large – Provide structure and moisture to the dough.
• Flour: 3 cups – The main ingredient that gives the dough structure.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Helps the dough rise and become light.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Milk: 2 tablespoons – Moistens the dough and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• Optional Decorations: Sprinkles or glaze – For topping the cookies.

These ingredients come together to form a soft, flavorful dough that can be shaped and decorated to suit any occasion.

Equipment Needed for Italian Sugar Cookies

To make Italian Sugar Cookies, you will need the following kitchen equipment:

• Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients and form the dough.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: For mixing the butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth, fluffy texture.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough to the right thickness.
• Cookie Cutters: To shape the dough into fun, festive shapes, or use your hands for a more rustic approach.
• Baking Sheet: To place the cookies on before baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To line the baking sheet and prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.

These tools will help ensure your Italian Sugar Cookies are perfectly shaped and baked.

Pro Tips for Success with Italian Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Italian Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:

1. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out is essential. It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes. This also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

2. Use Softened Butter

Using softened butter, rather than melted or cold butter, is crucial for achieving the right texture. Softened butter creates a smooth, creamy dough that helps the cookies bake evenly and develop a light, tender crumb.

3. Don’t Overwork the Dough

When mixing the dough, be sure not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can cause the cookies to become tough. Mix just until everything is incorporated, and avoid over-mixing.

4. Roll the Dough Evenly

When rolling out the dough, ensure it is an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. You can use a rolling pin with adjustable rings or a dough roller to help maintain consistent thickness.

5. Baking Time

Watch the cookies closely while baking. Italian Sugar Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking will result in cookies that are too hard. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s important to remove them from the oven when they’re still slightly soft.

By following these tips, your Italian Sugar Cookies will be tender, flavorful, and perfectly baked every time.

Instructions for Italian Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the milk to achieve the desired consistency—slightly thick but spreadable.
3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Roll and Cut the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Place the cut-out cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
6. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Your Italian Sugar Cookies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them at a gathering, pack them in a treat box, or simply enjoy them with a hot beverage.

Recipe Variations for Italian Sugar Cookies

While the traditional Italian Sugar Cookies are already delicious on their own, here are some creative variations you can try:

• Lemon Italian Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist. You can also add a light lemon glaze on top for extra flavor.
• Almond Italian Sugar Cookies: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract into the dough for a nutty, aromatic flavor. You can also add slivers of almond on top for added crunch.
• Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: For an indulgent twist, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let it set. This adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet sugar cookie base.
• Cinnamon Sugar Italian Sugar Cookies: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to add a warm, spiced flavor. This variation is especially cozy for fall or winter baking.

Storage Instructions for Italian Sugar Cookies

Italian Sugar Cookies can be stored easily, making them perfect for meal prep or baking in advance:

Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour for added fiber. However, the texture may be slightly denser.
2. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.
3. Can I add sprinkles to the dough? Yes, you can mix colorful sprinkles into the dough before cutting out the cookies for an extra fun touch.
4. Can I use store bought frosting? Yes, I have tried a can of vanilla frosting. If you prefer to make a homemade glaze, here’s a quick and simple glaze recipe. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of room-temperature milk.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, if your flour blend doesn’t include it.
6. How do I store leftover frosting? If you’ve used frosting, store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before using it again.

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