About
There's a tantalizing thrill in opening one of those classic white boxes wrapped with string and finding a pile of tender Italian Sugar Cookies inside. It's even more thrilling to stack a plate of Italian Sugar Cookies fresh from your own oven! The pillowy cookies are positively heavenly, especially when topped with creamy, sweet icing and crunchy coarse sugar. Add in a few drops of food coloring and you have a rainbow of vanilla-flavored baked goods you can't help but love! These are perfect to serve up for parties, holidays, or just as a surprise treat for friends or neighbors!
Ingredients
- For the cookies:
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- For the icing:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- food coloring, optional, to taste, of your choice
- coarse sugar, optional, to taste, of your choice
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2 -In a large bowl, cream the shortening and the sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3 -Beat in the eggs and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla.
Step 4 -In a separate bowl, combine the flour, the baking powder, and the salt.
Step 5 -Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the shortening mixture and mix well.
Step 6 -Shape the dough into individual 1 1/2-inch balls.
Step 7 -Place the balls 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 8 -Bake until lightly browned, for about 8-10 minutes. Bake in batches if necessary.
Step 9 -Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 10 -In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, the butter, the remaining vanilla, and the confectioners' sugar until smooth.
Step 11 -Tint the icing with the food coloring, if desired.
Step 12 -Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 13 -Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the coarse sugar.
Step 14 -Place the cookies on waxed paper and let them stand until the icing sets.
Step 15 -Serve.
