Italian Sugar Cookies

These little cookies are soft and chewy and delicious. They’re traditionally topped with a powdered sugar glaze and lots of fun sprinkles. You can keep it simple or get as fancy as you want. As always, we’ve included our gluten and dairy free substitutions.

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cup all purpose flour or gluten free 1-1 flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

Optional – powdered sugar glaze, sprinkles, etc.

Directions

In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.  

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. 

Add flour mixture to butter mixture in three additions and beat until well combined.

Shape dough into 1 1/2″ balls. Place 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with silpats or parchment paper or foil.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool and enjoy!

*powdered sugar glaze – mix 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk or plant milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and a drop or two of food coloring. You can change the flavors a bit by adding an optional 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or 1/4 teaspoon of anise extract.