Carol makes absolutely beautiful cookies, seriously, look at these! And it's not just these cookies, it's all her cookies. Wait till you see her Gingerbread Men. They're PERFECT! I'm so jealous!
Carols Post:
I think everybody needs one of those "go-to" cookie recipes.....you know the ones? You get a call about a last minute get together and could you PLEASE bring dessert? Or there's a bridal shower or baby shower and you're asked to contribute food?
And then there's the holidays.....and the bake-a-thons begin. Gifts of cookie trays are great....and there's so many new recipes to try...but when all is said and done, you want one of those quick and easy never-fail recipes that pack a big punch. These Italian Cookies are all that.
I make cookie trays for a lot of different occasions-and I make sure this cookie always has a spot on them....they're pretty and they're SO good! Another plus? They make a lot-well over 100 if you roll the balls of dough small....and I highly suggest you do-with all that baking powder they really grow!!!
I know that some people don't like Anise flavoring....I'm Italian and grew up with it...in fact my Mom told me that she gave me Anisette Toast when I was teething rather than Zweiback cookies. If you don't like Anise, feel free to use any extract you choose-lemon is very good as well as orange...or almond....you make the call! I will sometimes add a tiny bit of extract to the glaze too so that I get a double layer of licorice flavor....YUM!
ITALIAN COOKIES
Carols Recipe
Cookies:
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. granulated sugar
4 eggs
3 c. all-purpose flour
5 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. anise extract (can use vanilla or lemon extract instead)
Glaze:
2 c. confectioners' sugar, sifted
2-4 Tbsp. milk
For cookies:
Melt butter and shortening together. Add the sugar; mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the anise extract. Sift or whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture gradually. If the dough is too sticky to roll in the palm of your hand, add flour until firmer, but it should be very soft. Roll dough in small balls (these tend to really puff up with all the baking powder in them!) and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake @ 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes (the bottom should be lightly browned but the tops should remain light). Remove cookies to wire rack and cool completely before glazing.
GLAZE:
Mix milk GRADUALLY into confectioners' sugar to make a thick glaze...make sure to keep it on the thick side. Dip top of each cookie into glaze. Sprinkle with colored jimmies or nonpareils while glaze is still wet. (I usually dip 10-12 cookies, return them to the wire rack (with wax paper under the racks to aid in clean up!) and then sprinkle those cookies before starting to dip more.)
Makes a lot of cookies, depending on how large you roll them.I usually roll the dough into 3/4" balls-maybe a little bit smaller-I get about 100 cookies from one batch when I roll them this size.
32 comments:
These are beautiful! Just look at that platter full of them! I want to start baking them now!
My those look so yummy!!! My Mom didn't bake sweets all that much, but these cookies were one that she made for many occasions!! and... I love the anise flavor ;-)
Bunny,
Those are the cutest little cookies ever! Love them.
Wouldn't these be great for a baby/wedding shower, and great to take to a potluck!
Those are so pretty! I love anise flavor, I agree it's not for everyone, but I'll take it any day. Yum!
Man, I tried to make something like these last night, and they didn't turn out. I wish I had this recipe!
Oh this will be delightful for my holiday cookie trays! Thanks!
Bunny, these are so pretty and look like sweet little morsels. I am on a weight redux plan so I will save this for later.
Great post!!!! Those cookies look awesome!!!
they are gorgeous bunny! i am printing this recipe out as i type! this is definitely one for the holidays! thank you for sharing.
Oh yes these have been last-minute savers for me too when a last minute party or event pops up.
These are simply beautiful.
la ringrazio per i vostri commenti sul mio blog
great recipe, and i'm loving the sprinkles! i'm not too keen on anise, but there are so many other options! excellent.
those are so cute. i could eat one hundred of them.
Gorgeous cookies...look aboslutely delicious. YUMMY!
I can see why these are a go-to cookie for you. I would certainly reach for that tray at a party! They look beautiful and tasty.
Those look absolutely delish Bunny! Perfect!
I have a surprise for you on my blog, Bunny! Come see!
So cute - thank Carol for these lovely creations.
These look so good! My Italian grandmother and I used to make a very similar cookie- always anise flavor :)
These are one of my absolute favorite cookies.. so easy to make and so incredibly delicious :)
These definitely look like go to cookies! YUMMY!
Yay!! I LOVE these!!
Oh, these look so good! I can't wait to try these. I love Anise flavored cookies.
Oh, Bunny, you are going to make me cry...I haven't had these since I was a kid living with Papa and Gram! I AM going to make these ASAP!!
These are so cute and festive! I love anise, but the kiddos would not.
These are gorgeous! And I have to say... they remind me of my favorite carnival animal cookies, all frosted and decorated like that (though I'm sure they taste even BETTER!!)
anything Cookie and Bunny make looks good
I absolutely adore your cookies!! I tried this recipe today and my family LOVED it! :)
Bunny....I'm dropping by to see all the goodies you've been making. Great job on the blog and I heard about these outstanding Italian Cookies. Carol, they look great and the picture just makes you want to reach through the screen for samples.
Thanks for sharing the picture and recipe.
Joyce in NC
I made these and blogged about them, linking to you :) Thank you Carol, my father in law loved these and so did the rest of us. :)
Hey Bunny! I just received a cookie entry from My Life's Journey, and they looked so familiar(and delicious!), I came right over. These are just like my mom's lemon egg biscuits (she's Italian too). They are a family favorite, especially at XMAS time. In fact, I included them in a piece I wrote for NPR's Kitchen Window that will be published next Wed. You just can't beat Italian cookies. :)
these look scrumptious! Is there any substitute for shortening? I just came back from the store and forgot to buy it. :( I really don't want to go out again in the holiday madness. I've heard you can use an equal amount of butter...?
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