Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies recipe is a soft and cake-like recipe, which is made with both vanilla and almond extracts. It’s a classic holiday cookie, perfect for a cookie exchange or a festive platter, ready in about an hour, plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies Ingredients
A classic combination for a perfectly soft, tender, and flavorful cookie.
For the Cookies:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp. almond extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp. milk
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Red and green nonpareil sprinkles, for decorating
How To Make Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies
A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully soft, cake-like cookies.
- Make and Chill the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and almond extract on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs until combined (the batter may look separated). On low speed, gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prep Oven and Shape Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape the chilled dough into about 36 one-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set and just very lightly browned on the bottom. The tops should remain pale. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- Glaze and Decorate: While the cookies cool, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the top of each completely cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finish: Immediately sprinkle the wet glaze with the nonpareil sprinkles. Let the cookies stand on the wire rack until the glaze hardens completely, about 30 minutes.
Recipe Tips
For the perfect soft, not crispy, Italian wedding cookie.
- Why is the dough so soft? The soft, almost cake-like texture of these cookies comes from a high ratio of wet to dry ingredients. This is why chilling the dough is a non-negotiable step.
- Do I have to chill the dough? Yes, it is essential. The dough is very soft and sticky when first mixed. Chilling it for at least an hour firms up the butter, making the dough easy to handle and roll into balls. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Can I use a different shape? Yes. As the recipe suggests, for a more traditional look, you can roll the balls into 4-inch long logs and then coil them into a mound or a simple knot shape before baking.
- Why did my glaze just soak into the cookie? This happens if the cookies are still warm when you dip them. It is crucial to let the cookies cool completely to room temperature before you add the glaze. This allows the icing to sit on top and harden into a classic, opaque white shell.
What To Serve With Italian Cookies
The perfect accompaniment for this classic, festive cookie.
These sweet, tender cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table. They are wonderful served with:
- A hot cup of espresso or a cappuccino
- A glass of milk
- A sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo
How To Store Italian Cookies
Keeping your cookies soft and fresh.
- Room Temperature: Once the glaze has completely hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, with wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week.
Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per cookie.
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 4 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Are these the same as Italian wedding cookies?
Yes, this style of soft, cake-like, glazed cookie is very similar to what many people know as Italian Wedding Cookies. They are a staple at Italian-American celebrations.
Can I use a different extract?
The combination of vanilla and a hint of almond is classic for this cookie. You could also use anise extract for a traditional licorice-like flavor, or lemon extract for a citrusy twist.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, they freeze very well. It’s best to freeze them u003cemu003ebeforeu003c/emu003e glazing. Once baked and cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw to room temperature, then make the glaze and decorate them.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Brownie Cookies Recipe
Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies Recipe
Description
Classic, soft, and cake-like Italian cookies with a hint of almond, topped with a simple sweet glaze and festive nonpareil sprinkles. The perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and extracts until fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
- On low speed, gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bottoms are very lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the completely cooled cookies into the glaze, then immediately sprinkle with the nonpareils. Let the glaze set completely.
Notes
- u003cliu003eChilling the dough for at least 1 hour is a crucial, non-negotiable step. The dough will be too sticky to handle otherwise.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not over-bake these cookies! They should remain pale on top to keep their signature soft, cake-like texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eEnsure the cookies are completely cool before dipping them in the glaze.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe dough can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, making these a great make-ahead holiday cookie.u003c/liu003e
