Description
Make these classic Italian Sugar Cookies with a delicate texture and sweet flavor. Perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
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.
Instructions
- 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.