Print

Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies

Pioneer Woman Italian Cookies - recipe card
Print Recipe

These tender, anise-scented Italian cookies are lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside, finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles. A classic nostalgic treat perfect for holidays or an afternoon coffee break.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract (or 1/4 teaspoon anise oil, adjusted to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature
  • For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. The parchment prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and anise extract. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds. The anise gives these cookies their signature Italian flavor — adjust the amount to your preference, but do not omit.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisking aerates the flour and distributes the leavening evenly, which ensures uniform rise.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as that can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
  6. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or two spoons, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. The dough will be slightly sticky — that is normal and ensures a tender cookie.
  7. Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms are light golden brown. The tops should remain pale and not browned. Overbaking will dry them out.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest on the pan for 2 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes. Cookies must be fully cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt and soak in.
  9. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable — if too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
  10. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles while the glaze is still wet, so they adhere. Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
  11. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze well: layer between parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freezing: Un-iced cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; glaze after thawing. For best texture, do not refrigerate. Reheating: Not required for these cookies; serve at room temperature. Variation: Substitute anise extract with almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian cookies, anise cookies, pioneer woman cookies, Italian dessert, drop cookies, holiday cookies, glazed cookies, sprinkles cookies, soft cookies, egg white cookies, baking, Christmas cookies

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-italian-cookies/