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Perfect Italian Cookie Recipes: 15 Easy Desserts for Any Occasion

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These Italian cookie recipes bring authentic flavors like almond, lemon, anise, and pistachio to life. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or cozy afternoons with a cup of espresso.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon anise seeds or extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and both granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  6. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form dough balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be soft.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes if it feels sticky. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking. Experiment with flavor swaps like hazelnut extract or cocoa powder for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian cookies, almond cookies, pistachio cookies, anise cookies, easy desserts, holiday cookies, Italian baking, gluten-free cookies, traditional Italian recipes

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