Soft Italian Cookies
Soft Italian cookies with a tender, buttery texture and a subtle lemon flavor, perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to those who enjoy delicate, sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and Crisco together until smooth.
- Add beaten eggs and lemon juice; continue to cream until well combined.
- Sift baking powder into the flour mixture.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Place flour on wax paper, roll into strips, and cut into 2 1/2 inch pieces.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until done, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cookies should be soft when finished baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. If Crisco is unavailable, you can substitute with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. To add a twist, consider incorporating almond extract or zest from the lemons. These Soft Italian Cookies can also be frosted with a simple glaze for extra sweetness, making them delightful for any occasion. They pair well with Italian recipes, enhancing your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Soft Italian Cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. Pair them with a refreshing citrus salad or even alongside a slice of Italian Frittata for a unique brunch experience that highlights your culinary creativity.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing them to regain their soft texture without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Italian Cookies contains roughly 795 calories, with 15g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (63% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 920mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser. To maintain softness, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will provide a healthier option while still keeping the cookies delightfully soft.
How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your cookies, try adding vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Incorporating zest from lemons or even other citruses, like oranges, can add a refreshing twist. Experimenting with different extracts can also yield delicious results.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add a bit more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies tough. Dusting your work surface with flour can also help when rolling out the dough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).