When it comes to delectable treats, Italian cookies are renowned for their rich flavors and captivating aromas. With a diverse selection of recipes, these cookies offer a tantalizing journey through the culinary artistry of Italy. From the classic biscotti, known for their crispy texture and almond accents, to the delicate amaretti, characterized by their soft, chewy interiors and delicate almond flavor, the world of Italian cookies is a delightful exploration of taste and texture. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of pignoli cookies, adorned with toasted pine nuts, or the indulgent pleasure of cannoli, filled with sweet ricotta cream, there's an Italian cookie to satisfy every craving. As you embark on a culinary adventure through Italy's cookie repertoire, prepare to be enchanted by the symphony of flavors and textures that await your palate.
Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!
ITALIAN COOKIES I
This cookie recipe has been handed down to me from my grandmother. It has been in the family for at least four generations.
Provided by C. Davis
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 35m
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the creamed mixture until blended. Divide dough into walnut sized portions. Roll each piece into a rope and then shape into a loop. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm and golden at the edges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Cholesterol 44.6 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 129.7 mg, Sugar 5.7 g
25 ITALIAN COOKIES LIKE GRANDMA MADE
These Italian cookie recipes have been passed down for generations! From sprinkle cookies to biscotti to pizzelles and ricotta cookies, you won't be able to resist these sweets.
Provided by insanelygood
Categories Cookies Recipe Roundup
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep some Italian cookies in 30 minutes or less!
Nutrition Facts :
ITALIAN BAKERY COOKIES
These were some of my favorite cookies growing up - there were a bunch of amazing Italian bakeries outside of Chicago and I was always drawn to these cookies because of the sprinkles. But what really gets me is that soft layer of jam in the middle that makes the cookies a little bit chewy (and that splash of almond is irresistible as well).
Provided by Molly Yeh
Categories dessert
Time 2h
Yield 1 1/2 dozen sandwich cookies
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place oven racks in the top and bottom third positions. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl. Add the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla and almond extracts and beat until light and smooth, 1 minute more. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in 2-inch lines, spaced 1-inch apart (you should be able to fit 12 cookies per tray). Bake in the oven until the cookies are set on top and golden around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool completely on the sheet trays. Once the cookies are set, transfer all onto one tray, leaving 1 cooled tray to bake the remaining dough (you'll have enough for about 12 more cookies).
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a double boiler or in the microwave on 50-percent power in 15 second increments. Pipe or spread the flat sides of half of the cookies with about 1 teaspoon jam each, going almost to the edges. Sandwich with the remaining cookies (you should have about 18 sandwiches). Allow the jam to set for 2 hours or overnight, if you have time. Otherwise, it's okay to go ahead and start dipping your sandwich cookies into the chocolate (it just might be a little slippery.).
- Dip the lower third of the cookies in the chocolate letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Sprinkle with the sprinkles on both sides. Lay back on a parchment lined baking sheet and pop the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
- Tip: To make uniformly sized cookies, use a ruler and a marker or pen to draw 2-inch lines on 2 sheets of parchment paper in a 3-by-4-inch grid. Flip the parchment over and place on 2 baking sheets so the marker side is down but you can still see the lines. Using the lines as a template, pipe the dough in 2-inch lines on the baking sheets, using a paring knife or shears, if needed, to cut the dough from the piping bag in straight edges.
MOM'S TRADITIONAL ITALIAN COOKIES
These cookies are a staple in my family. They are so simple, yet so incredibly wonderful. This recipe has been passed down from my great-grandmother. I've listed here the original recipe from my Nonna and great Aunt, as it was given to my mother. It can easily be cut in half, or in fourths. Obviously the full recipe makes ALOT OF COOKIES!! My mom has been known to actually make the full batch, especially for Christmas. Besides the traditional "knot" shape, the cookie dough can be rolled out and cut with cookie cutters. Pumpkins, Autumn leaves, Christmas trees, stars, and Easter eggs are but a few of the shapes we like to make these in. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does. (Prep time includes dough resting time, and cooking time includes glaze drying time)
Provided by Kozmic Blues
Categories Dessert
Time 2h20m
Yield 100 cookies (depending on shape)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For Cookie Dough: Cream butter & sugar.
- Beat in eggs, baking powder, extracts and 3 cups of flour.
- Add remaining flour until a stiff dough forms.
- Chill dough for at least an hour to make it easier to work with.
- At this point you can form the dough into knots (small for cookies- larger knots yield egg biscuits) or roll out the dough and use cutters.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375°.
- For Glaze: I put about 2 cups of powdered sugar in a bowl, add the extract (just a splash) and a little milk.
- Then I mix and add more milk until it gets to a smooth consistency- I don't like it too runny.
- Should be like the consistency of a thick alfredo sauce.
- Once cookies are cooled, dip the tops of each one into the glaze, or drizzle glaze over the cookies, and allow to dry completely.
- Can be topped with colored sugar or sprinkles, your choice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 137.7, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 32.1, Sodium 74.1, Carbohydrate 22.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 10.5, Protein 2.3
ITALIAN COOKIES
My 100% Italian husband will tell you these are his favorite cookies. I make them often, and definitely every Christmas (if not, people get upset). They're good with or without icing and sprinkles. -Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 30m
Yield 7 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extract. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well., Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., For icing, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Dip cookies in icing; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; decorate as desired. Let stand until set.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 73 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 40mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
UNCLE FRANK'S ITALIAN "S" COOKIES
This cookie has been a tradition for several generations in my Sicilian family. Our Uncle Frank always made them for us. They are thought to be a Christmas cookie, but he would make them all year long. Sometimes instead of sprinkles he would top them with sesame seeds.
Provided by mrsjohnson
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 35m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, sugar, shortening, milk, eggs, baking powder, and almond extract in a bowl by hand until smooth.
- Form dough into a 1-inch thick log. Cut small portions and roll into 3-inch long pieces, then shape into "S" shapes. Place on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 136.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.7 g, Cholesterol 15.6 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 61 mg, Sugar 5.7 g
ITALIAN COOKIES II
This is a delicious moist cookie which is a favorite of ours. You'll love it.
Provided by PGOETZ719
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 45m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
- In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the remaining butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in vanilla and milk gradually until a spreadable consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.4 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 20.8 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 68.6 mg, Sugar 12.2 g
TENDER ITALIAN SUGAR COOKIES
These traditional Italian cookies are moist and tender. -Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 30m
Yield 3 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. , Shape dough into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool., For icing, in a small bowl, combine milk, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired. Dip tops of cookies in icing; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 136 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 54mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
ICED ITALIAN COOKIES
Posted by request, these pretty little cookies are very often served at holiday gatherings in many Italian American families. You may shape them any way you prefer, and change the flavoring of the icing slightly to suit your tastes. The original recipe came from one of my favorite community style cookbooks called "Preserving Our Italian Heritage" compiled by the Sons of Italy Florida Foundation. I combined several variations submitted by 5 different ladies, all of whom used the same basic cookie recipe but used slightly different methods in shaping and icing the cookies. The yield will vary depending upon how you shape your cookies.
Provided by HeatherFeather
Categories Dessert
Time 50m
Yield 1 batch cookies (amount will vary upon shape)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cream butter and sugar until soft and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine flour and baking powder, then blend into the butter mixture.
- Break off small, walnut sized pieces of dough and shape into bows, braids, knots,"s" shapes, or any shape you desire.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F until lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks,then ice as desired.
- Icing: Blend sugar and your choice of flavoring, adding milk slowly to form a soft, smooth icing (some ice the cookies while they are still warm, others wait until they are cooled).
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or confettini (tiny multi-colored sprinkles) before icing sets.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 5327.4, Fat 199.7, SaturatedFat 121.2, Cholesterol 864.3, Sodium 3975.9, Carbohydrate 804.9, Fiber 13.6, Sugar 411.8, Protein 67.2
BEST ITALIAN COOKIES
This is a delicious and very moist cookie with an ingredient that you would not expect!! This is a special one for ZWT '06!
Provided by cookinrooky
Categories Dessert
Time 45m
Yield 36 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
- In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the remaining butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in vanilla and milk gradually until a spreadable consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 117.3, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 23.7, Sodium 66.3, Carbohydrate 17.8, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 12.2, Protein 1.9
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid any scrambling.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste of your cookies. Use fresh, flavorful ingredients whenever possible.
- Follow the Recipe Carefully: Don't skip any steps or ingredients in the recipe. Each ingredient and step plays a role in the final outcome of your cookies.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Bake the Cookies at the Right Temperature: The temperature of your oven can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies. Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
- Don't Overbake the Cookies: Overbaking the cookies can make them dry and crumbly. Bake them just until they are set.
Conclusion:
These Italian cookie recipes are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to produce delicious results. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some amazing Italian cookies!
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