Mom's Traditional Italian Cookies

Perfectly soft, sweet, and irresistibly nostalgic, Mom’s Traditional Italian Cookies are a timeless treat for any occasion. Infused with zesty lemon and a hint of vanilla, these delicate, cake-like cookies are adorned with a silky glaze and festive colored sprinkles, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. This recipe combines simple pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, eggs, and sugar—with the warmth of homemade charm, coming together in just over 30 minutes. Ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or just as an everyday indulgence, these cookies are easy to bake, store well, and are sure to become a beloved family favorite. Try this classic Italian cookie recipe today and bring a taste of tradition to your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 31/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 36

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 0.25 cups colored sprinkles

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4

Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Add the 2 tablespoons of milk if the dough feels too dry.

Step 5

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7

To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 8

Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting the excess drip off, then place them back on the wire racks. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with colored sprinkles.

Step 9

Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(815.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2916.7

Total Fat 115.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 821.2mg	0%
Sodium 1754.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 457.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g	0%
Total Sugars 444.3g
Protein 22.5g	0%

Vitamin D 212.3IU	0%
Calcium 220.2mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 378.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.2%

Protein: 3.0%

Carbs: 61.8%