valentine italian cookies
Italian Cookies are based on a classic recipe handed down from generation to generation and are perfect for sharing due to their large batch size. The addition of assorted pink and red sprinkles make these cookies just perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Italian Cookies are traditionally flavored with a touch of anise extract. Given the fact that I am not a fan of licorice flavorings, I have always substituted vanilla extract in my recipes. Recently, I was introduced to the Princess Cake & Cookie Emulsion and just knew that this was the subtle flavor substitute that these cookies needed. The end result is a buttery cookie topped with a sweet vanilla glaze with just a hint of something extra thanks to the added emulsion. Once glazed, the cookies can be left plain or decorated with sprinkles and jimmies to celebrate any occasion.
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Princess Cake & Cookie Emulsion (or pure vanilla extract)
- 3-4 Tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Princess Cake & Cookie Emulsion (or pure vanilla extract)
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Microwave butter and shortening together in thirty second intervals until melted.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the melted butter and shortening until fully combined, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add granulated sugar and Princess Cake & Cookie Emulsion and beat until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating for about one minute after each addition.
- Add approximately half a cup of the flour mixture at a time, mixing well until fully incorporated. You may need to add up to ¼ cup of flour more as the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Roll the cookie dough into ¾-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. The bottoms of the cookies should be lightly browned but the tops should remain light in color.
- Immediately remove cookies from the cookie sheet and move to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Slowly mix milk with powdered sugar and Princess Cake & Cookie Emulsion until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to adhere to the cookie.
- Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, sprinkle with desired decorations and allow to fully set before storing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
So pretty! I’m not a huge fan of licorice flavor either, so will try with vanilla. Or might have to experiment with the cookie emulsion. Always fun to try something new!
These are so pretty! I’m a huge fan of sweet, simple cookies like this and they would be so cute for Valentine’s Day. Lovely photos :)
Thanks Valerie! We too love giving simple recipes a few sweet decorations to make them perfect for gifting. :)
Adorable! I used to buy these from the local grocery store by the bagful. Great recipe, now I can make my own!
You had me at “Italian”. And what perfect little bites for any time of day!
I’ve never make Italian cookies but they look delicious. They are perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day.
These simple kind of cookies are my favorite!
Their so cute and they look delicious too!
ok I tried the recipe and I found that I did have to add more flour in order to roll dough.. It was still sticky, so of course I floured my hands..So now the cookies look great, but they taste like theres too much flour?? Any help?!
Sorry to hear this! Different climates can definitely affect the dough – I have found that depending on where we are living when I make these, sometimes the extra 1/4 cup of flour is needed and sometimes it is not. I wouldn’t add more than 1/4 cup, and flouring your hands may have added to the taste. You can always refrigerate dough to make it easier to roll if needed.
I am doing to try to refrigerate the dough. I added too much flour because before I added more flour the dough was delicious!!
Thanks!
YUM is all I can say and I want to make them NOW!!LOL!!
they are cute!