Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486906H53M49S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American (with a St. Patrick's Day twist)
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp milk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional); Green sanding sugar or St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles

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Looking to add a little twist to your St. Patrick’s Day dessert table? These Italian Cookies for St. Patrick’s Day are everything you want in a cookie—soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s slightly crisp on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, with a delicate hint of almond and a sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, this recipe will be your new go-to when you want something festive and fun without too much fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the day with a delicious treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to bake some magic? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Italian Cookies for St. Patrick’s Day

This recipe isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating memories with each bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a St. Patrick’s Day party, or simply for yourself, these cookies are the perfect mix of festive fun and rich, comforting flavors. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for all sorts of occasions, but especially for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These cookies are cute, fun, and festive, so they’ll look amazing on your dessert table.
Budget-Friendly: Using just a few pantry ingredients, these cookies are an affordable treat that still feel special. No need for expensive, hard-to-find ingredients!
Quick and Easy: You don’t have to be a baking pro to pull these off. The steps are straightforward, so you can make these cookies quickly, even if you’re short on time.
Customizable: Whether you want to keep them classic or mix in some extra flavor, this recipe is easy to tweak. Add some chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a fun twist!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving kids or adults, these cookies hit the mark. They’re perfectly sweet with just the right amount of almond flavor, making them universally loved by all.

Ingredients

These cookies may seem simple, but their rich flavor comes from a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter: The key to making these cookies soft and tender. Butter provides richness and a smooth texture that gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Sugar: For sweetness! It helps balance the richness of the butter and gives the cookies that delightful sugary crunch on the outside.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and add moisture to the dough, keeping the cookies soft.
Vanilla Extract: This little ingredient elevates the flavor, adding a warm, aromatic sweetness that blends perfectly with the almond.
Almond Extract: The signature flavor of these cookies! It gives them a distinct, subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Flour: The base of the dough. All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for the cookies, helping them hold their shape.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes these cookies soft and airy, so they don’t become too dense.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps to bring out the sweetness and balance all the flavors.
Green Sprinkles or Sugar: This is the fun, festive touch! Green sprinkles or sugar add a bit of sparkle and color for St. Patrick’s Day.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake these delicious cookies? Let’s go through the steps and create some St. Patrick’s Day magic!

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown finish.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Be sure to watch them closely, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, decorate with green sprinkles or sugar for that St. Patrick’s Day sparkle.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy the sweet, almond flavor and the festive touch of green!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 140

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Italian Cookies for St. Patrick’s Day

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration extra special:

On a Dessert Table: Serve the cookies as part of a St. Patrick’s Day-themed dessert spread. Pair them with other green-themed treats like cupcakes, brownies, or mini pies.
As a Snack: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They’re the perfect little treat to enjoy during the afternoon or after dinner.
Gift Them: Wrap the cookies in cellophane bags or decorative boxes for a sweet homemade gift. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family!
With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream for a fun dessert combo.
For Kids: The colorful sprinkles make these cookies especially fun for kids. Let them help decorate for a family baking activity!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure your cookies turn out just right:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want these to be soft and chewy!
Adjust the Almond Flavor: If you love the almond flavor, feel free to add a bit more almond extract. If you’re not as big a fan, cut back on it slightly.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and soft!
Customize with Mix-Ins: Want to add a twist? Stir in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for a fun variation.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with more vanilla extract or even lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 2 days, and bake the cookies when you’re ready.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and fresh!

Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready!

Q5: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A5: While butter gives these cookies the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine in a pinch. It may alter the taste slightly, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

Q6: Can I decorate the cookies with frosting instead of sprinkles?
A6: Of course! If you prefer frosting, feel free to decorate with a simple glaze or buttercream for an extra sweet touch.

Q7: How can I make these cookies more festive?
A7: Add more colorful sprinkles, use green food coloring in the dough, or even drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for a fun St. Patrick’s Day look.

Q8: Can I use a different extract in these cookies?
A8: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like vanilla or even coconut. Each will give the cookies a unique twist.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Doubling the recipe is a great idea if you’re making these cookies for a large crowd or want to stock up on treats.

Q10: How can I make these cookies softer?
A10: If you prefer softer cookies, try underbaking them slightly—take them out of the oven when they’re just beginning to turn golden around the edges.

Conclusion

These Italian Cookies for St. Patrick’s Day are the perfect way to add a little sweetness and charm to your celebrations. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and just the right amount of festive for the occasion. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the delicious fun!