If you’re looking for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings a pop of color and a burst of almond sweetness to your holiday table, you’re going to fall in love with these Italian Cookies for St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe wraps up everything I adore about classic Italian baking—tender butter cookies, a whisper of vanilla and almond, and a dazzling finish of green sugar for a playful St. Paddy’s twist. Whether you’re baking with family or surprising friends, these cookies are charmingly simple, but taste like a celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe for Italian Cookies for St is all about those classic, straightforward ingredients that work magic together. Each one plays a special role, from building the buttery base to adding festive flair with a sparkling green finish.
- Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming; it gives the cookies their signature soft, tender crumb.
- Sugar: Not just for sweetness, but also for that light crunch on the outside.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together and ensure your cookies stay moist and soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Almond Extract: A little goes a long way to give the cookies a nutty, unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Flour: All-purpose flour keeps things classic and gives structure to the dough.
- Baking Powder: The secret to light, airy cookies with just the right lift.
- Salt: Essential for balancing out the sweetness and boosting all the flavors.
- Green Sprinkles or Sugar: For that perfect St. Patrick’s Day touch—these make your Italian Cookies for St instantly festive.
How to Make Italian Cookies for St
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily—no sticking, no mess, just golden bottoms every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that tender cookie texture that sets Italian Cookies for St apart from other treats.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts—your kitchen will instantly fill with the most inviting aroma!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, so each bite of your Italian Cookies for St is just right.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until everything is well combined, but don’t overwork the dough—just enough to bring it together into a soft, cohesive mass.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. This size gives you the perfect bite: not too big, not too small.
Step 7: Flatten and Decorate
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon, then generously sprinkle green sugar or sprinkles on top. This step is where the Italian Cookies for St really start to look ready for the party!
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are starting to turn a delicate golden color. Don’t overbake—these cookies are best when they’re soft and tender in the center.
Step 9: Cool
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up and ensures the green sugar topping stays crisp and vibrant.
How to Serve Italian Cookies for St
Garnishes
A little extra green sugar or even a dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies pop on any cookie platter. If you want to go all out, add a few edible gold stars for an extra sprinkle of St. Patrick’s Day magic!
Side Dishes
Pair your Italian Cookies for St with a cup of strong espresso, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a full-on celebration, try serving them alongside other green or Irish-inspired treats for a delightful dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with green ribbon for adorable party favors, or arrange them in a shamrock shape on a platter for a showstopping centerpiece. These Italian Cookies for St are also perfect for gifting—everyone loves a homemade treat, especially when it’s this cute!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Italian Cookies for St in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—though they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, making them a great make-ahead option.
Reheating
If you want to revive that just-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3-4 minutes. This brings back their tender crumb and makes the almond aroma shine.
FAQs
Can I use different colored sprinkles for other holidays?
Absolutely! Italian Cookies for St are endlessly adaptable—switch up the sprinkle color to celebrate any holiday or occasion, from pink for Valentine’s Day to red and green for Christmas.
Can I substitute the almond extract?
Yes, if almond isn’t your thing or you have allergies, try lemon or orange extract for a zesty twist. It’ll give your Italian Cookies for St a whole new flavor profile while keeping them just as delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are baked perfectly?
Look for barely golden edges and a pale center. Overbaking will make them dry, so pull them out as soon as the bottoms are lightly golden and the cookies look set.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking your Italian Cookies for St.
Do I need a stand mixer?
While a stand mixer makes quick work of creaming the butter and sugar, you can absolutely use a hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease and a wooden spoon. The result will be just as delightful!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing these Italian Cookies for St as I do every year. They’re festive, easy, and irresistibly delicious—just perfect for making your St. Patrick’s Day a little sweeter. Give them a try and let the celebrations begin!
Print
Italian Cookies for St Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian cookies are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Soft and tender with a subtle almond flavor and a festive touch of green sprinkles, they’re simple to make and sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- Green sprinkles or green colored sugar, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for warm, aromatic, and nutty flavor notes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined and forming a manageable dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten and Decorate: Slightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon, then generously sprinkle with green sugar or sprinkles for a festive St. Patrick’s Day appearance.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, allowing them to set and develop their soft texture.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft and slightly pale, with lightly golden edges.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- For a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the almond extract by a small amount, but do so cautiously as it can be overpowering.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen before or after baking; thaw to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
