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3.42 from 17 votes
Italian Cookies decorated with pastel nonpareils on a plate.
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Italian Cookies
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

These traditional Italian cookies have been a family favorite for many years and look so sweet all dressed up for Easter. Drizzled with icing and topped with sprinkles, this easy and authentic recipe will become a holiday staple.

Course: Cookies and Bars
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Italian cookies
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 137 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For...
Ingredients
Italian Cookies
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
Glaze
  • 2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp milk
  • *a couple drops of food coloring optional
  • **sprinkles or nonpareils optional
Instructions
Italian Cookies

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment.

  2. Combine eggs, oil, vanilla, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl and mix on medium speed with a paddle attachment until well blended, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add flour and baking powder and mix until flour is completely incorporated and dough is shiny.

  4. Scoop out dough into walnut size pieces. (I use a 1 1/2 inch scoop).

  5. Roll each ball of dough between your hands into a 4 inch strip and then form a circle or a twist.
  6. Place on parchment lined sheet and bake for 12-15 mins or until they are pale golden in color. Cool on a wire rack.
Glaze

  1. While cookies are baking, make the glaze by combining the confectioners sugar, vanilla and milk in a bowl and whisking until smooth. Add a couple drops of food coloring if desired.

  2. Drizzle each cookie with icing and top with sprinkles or nonpareils. Glaze will harden as it dries.
Recipe Notes
  • Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough for uniform sized cookies.
  • Be sure to beat the dough until it is smooth and shiny.
  • If you're making these for a holiday, use a couple drops of food coloring in the icing to make them festive!
  • Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before icing them.
Nutrition Facts
Italian Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 46mg2%
Potassium 62mg2%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 26IU1%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.