Italian Iced Butter Cookies
These delightful Italian Iced Butter Cookies are a cherished tradition in many Italian American homes, especially during the holiday season. Each cookie is a canvas for your creativity - shape them into delicate bows, intricate braids, or whimsical 'S' shapes, and let your icing reflect your personal flair. Based on a heartwarming community cookbook, 'Preserving Our Italian Heritage,' these cookies combine a rich, buttery flavor with a touch of sweetness, making them perfect for festive gatherings. These iced cookies not only look stunning on a dessert table, but they also bring families together as they create and decorate them. Create unique variations by experimenting with different icings and toppings, ensuring that each batch is a new treat to savor and share.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 lb (softened (2 sticks))
eggs
2 large (beaten)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
flour
4 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
2 tablespoons (dry)
vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (pure)
powdered sugar
1 3/4 cups ((1/2 of a 1-pound box))
milk
2 tablespoons (for icing)
vanilla extract or lemon juice
1 tablespoon (for icing)
colored crystal sugar
as needed (for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is soft and creamy.
3
Add the beaten eggs and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture, blending until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
6
Take small portions of dough (about the size of a walnut) and shape them into your desired forms - this can include bows, braids, knots, or any creative shape you prefer.
7
Place the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
9
Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
10
For the icing, combine the powdered sugar with your choice of vanilla or lemon juice and add milk gradually, stirring until you achieve a soft, smooth consistency.
11
Ice the cookies as desired: some prefer to ice while still warm, while others wait until they are completely cool. Decorate with colored crystal sugar or confettini before the icing sets.
Nutrition Information
5.3g
Fat
12g
Carbs
0.9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Iced Butter Cookies?
Italian Iced Butter Cookies are a traditional Italian American treat, often served during the holidays, featuring a buttery base and decorative icing.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe is based on the community cookbook titled "Preserving Our Italian Heritage."
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the cookies.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown.
What are the common shapes for Italian Iced Butter Cookies?
Traditional shapes include bows, braids, knots, and 'S' shapes.
How much butter is required for the dough?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of butter, which is equivalent to 2 sticks, and it should be softened.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs that have been beaten.
What kind of flour is best for these cookies?
Use 4 cups of all-purpose flour for this recipe.
How much baking powder should I add?
You will need 2 tablespoons of dry baking powder.
How much vanilla extract goes into the cookie dough?
The dough requires 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract.
What ingredients are needed for the icing?
The icing is made from powdered sugar, milk, and your choice of vanilla extract or lemon juice.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the icing?
Combine the powdered sugar and flavoring, then gradually add milk while stirring until it becomes soft and smooth.
Should I ice the cookies while they are hot?
You can ice them while they are still warm or wait until they have cooled completely on wire racks, depending on your preference.
What toppings can I use for decoration?
You can decorate the cookies with colored crystal sugar or confettini before the icing sets.
How big should the dough portions be?
Take small portions of dough roughly the size of a walnut to shape them.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 100 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5.3g of fat per cookie.
How many carbohydrates are in these cookies?
Each cookie contains 12g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the cookies?
Each cookie provides 0.9g of protein.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
The fiber content for this recipe is not specified and is listed as null.
How much powdered sugar is used for the icing?
The recipe uses 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar, which is about half of a 1-pound box.
Can I use lemon juice in the icing?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice instead of vanilla extract for a citrus-flavored icing.
Should the baking sheet be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, place the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until soft and creamy.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 primary ingredients, including those for the icing and decoration.
When should I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture?
Gradually mix the whisked flour and baking powder into the butter-sugar-egg mixture until a soft dough forms.
What do I do after the cookies are finished baking?
Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before icing if preferred.
Is milk used in the cookie dough?
No, the milk (2 tablespoons) is reserved exclusively for creating the icing consistency.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Can I create my own shapes for these cookies?
Yes, the recipe encourages creativity - you can make any creative shape you prefer.