Italian Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Italian cookies are such wonderfully delicate and soft cookies coated in a simple glaze and bright, colorful sprinkles.

Prep Time30

Cook Time9

Total Time39

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian Cookies Recipe

Servings: cookies

Calories: 200kcal

Prepare a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Whisk the eggs, shortening, sugar, and almond extract in a large bowl.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, scoop the cookie dough and roll it between your palms to create 24 cookie balls. Place it on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between them.
Freeze cookie dough for 20 minutes.
Before freezer time is up, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 9 minutes. Oven times may vary. The cookies will be done when the bottoms are slightly browned but the tops are still white.
Transfer the baked cookies on to the cooling rack.
To make the glaze, warm the heavy cream for a few seconds in the microwave. Combine the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, warm heavy cream, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the prepared glaze. Then drop sprinkles over the glazed top.

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as the suggested baking time approaches.
For the glaze, sift the confectioners' sugar instead of scooping it. If it is scooped, the ratio is slightly off because it is compacted.
Once you dip the cookies, place them back on the wire rack with a sheet of parchment paper underneath to catch any drips or sprinkles that escape.