How to Make Authentic Italian Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)
What I love most about this 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.
Ingredients
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- Butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Flour: 3 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Optional Decorations: Sprinkles or glaze – For topping the cookies.
Instructions
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- 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.
- 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.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- 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.