Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cookies:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added brightness)
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or lemon juice for tanginess)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring, sprinkles, or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Making the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shaping the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on wire racks.
- Preparing the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more liquid for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker consistency. Divide the glaze into separate bowls if using food coloring and tint as desired.
- Decorating the Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze or drizzle it over them using a spoon. Add sprinkles, sanding sugar, or other decorations while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and dairy-free milk for the glaze.
- Gluten-free alternative: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze unglazed cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/24th of the recipe)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg