Description
These festive Italian cookies are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a delicious twist. Soft and subtly sweet with hints of vanilla and almond, these baked cookies are beautifully decorated with a green almond glaze and sprinkles to bring the holiday spirit to your dessert table. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1-2 tbsp Milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
- Green Food Coloring (for St. Patrick’s Day theme)
- Green Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, helping the cookies to be tender.
- Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well after each addition to create a homogeneous wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the whole milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form balls of dough about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers for an even shape.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Adjust milk quantity as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, spread or drizzle the green almond glaze over each cookie.
- Decorate: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle green sprinkles over the cookies to enhance the St. Patrick’s Day theme and add festive texture.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for about 20-30 minutes. Serve the cookies at room temperature and enjoy the festive flavors and colors.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough as this can make cookies tough.
- If the glaze becomes too thick, gradually add a few drops of milk to loosen it.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit almond extract and substitute with additional vanilla extract.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant green without thinning the glaze.
