Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Desserts like this are patient. In fact, the flavor often settles and deepens overnight. Store at room temperature in an airtight container and serve the next day for a more harmonious taste.

My dough is too sticky to roll. What should I do?

Chill the dough for 10 to 15 minutes. A cooler dough handles more easily and will roll without sticking. Add only a dusting more flour if absolutely necessary.

Why do my cookies brown?

If your oven runs hot or your rack is too high, the edges can brown. Check them earlier and place the rack in the middle of the oven. The cookies should be pale and set, not browned.

Can I use a different sweetener?

I recommend keeping the sugars as written for the best texture and flavor. Substituting other sweeteners changes the structure. If you need to adjust, do so incrementally and test a small batch.

How do I get the icing to the right thickness?

Start with two tablespoons of water and add more a drop at a time. You want a ribbon that falls slowly from your spoon. If the icing runs off the cookie too quickly, add more confectioner’s sugar.

Easy Italian Cookies 2026

Name: Italian Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup salted butter; 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 eggs; 3 cups all purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (for icing); 2 tablespoons water (or more as needed); 2 teaspoons vanilla (for icing); Rainbow sprinkles

Description

Delicate Italian Cookies are a timeless family treat, perfect for sharing at celebrations or enjoying with coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup salted butter
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups confectioner’s sugar (for icing)
2 tablespoons water (or more as needed)
2 teaspoons vanilla (for icing)
Rainbow sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat the butter in a mixing bowl for 30 seconds until softened.
Add both sugars and beat until combined.
Add eggs and vanilla, then beat until incorporated.
Add flour and baking powder and mix on low until just combined.
On a floured surface, roll dough into logs about 1/2″ thick and cut into 5″ lengths.
Twist the ends of each section together and place them on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 6-10 minutes until firm but not browned.
Cool on a wire rack.
Make icing by mixing confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and enough water for drizzling consistency.
Dip each cookie into icing and add rainbow sprinkles immediately.
Allow icing to set before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use real butter. Icing consistency can be adjusted by adding more sugar or water.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg