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A plate of Italian cookies with a bite taken out of one.
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Italian Cookies

These Italian cookies are soft, almond flavored cookies topped with icing and colorful sprinkles. A classic dessert that's perfect for the holidays or any other special event.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 18
Calories 225kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the cookies

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream can also use milk

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick silicone baking mats.
  • Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a mixer, then beat for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs, vanilla extract and almond extract. Beat until smooth.
  • Add the flour and baking powder to the bowl. Beat until just combined.
  • Use lightly damp hands to roll 2 tablespoons of dough into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  • Place the sheets of cookies in the freezer to chill for 20 minutes.
  • Bake each pan of cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
  • Transfer the cookies to a rack and cool completely.
  • For the frosting, place the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract and cream in a bowl, then whisk until smooth.
  • Dip the top of each cookie into the frosting, then add the sprinkles on top of the cookies.
  • Let the cookies sit for 1 hour for the frosting to harden, then serve.

Notes

  1. Make sure the balls of dough are completely smooth to get minimal cracking during baking.
  2. When scooping the dough, use a cookie dough scoop or measuring spoon to make sure cookies are all the same size.
  3. When you shape your dough into balls, make sure your hands are a little damp, but not wet.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg