Description
These Italian Cookies for St. Patrick’s Day are a delightful and festive treat that combines traditional Italian flavors with a fun green twist for St. Patrick’s Day! Soft, almond-flavored cookies are glazed with a sweet green icing and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for dough consistency)
For the Green Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- A few drops of green food coloring
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. - Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of milk to help bring it together. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. - Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also lightly flatten the balls with your fingers or the back of a spoon if you prefer flatter cookies. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Green Icing:
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small bowl. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you achieve a bright green color. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed to make it smooth and spreadable. - Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are fully cooled, dip the tops of each cookie into the green icing, or spread the icing on with a spoon. Allow the icing to set for a few minutes, then sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles for a fun, festive touch. - Serve:
Allow the icing to fully harden before serving. These cookies make a perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day parties or to share with friends and family!
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract with lemon extract or orange extract for a different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have green food coloring, you can use any color that fits your St. Patrick’s Day theme.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: 24-30 cookies (depending on size)
- Method: Dessert, Holiday Treats, St. Patrick’s Day
- Cuisine: Italian-American