Grandma’s Cherished Sweet Italian S Cookies Recipe

Soft, pillowy clouds of sweetness drift from grandma’s cherished Italian s cookies recipe, gently melting on your tongue with nostalgic comfort.

These delicate treats carry generations of love kneaded into every tender bite.

Each cookie tells a story of tradition and warmth, blending simple ingredients into pure magic.

Powdered sugar cascades like gentle snowflakes, creating a delicate landscape of deliciousness.

Butter and flour dance together, creating a symphony of sweetness that transports you straight to an Italian kitchen.

The aroma promises pure delight, beckoning everyone to gather around and savor these irresistible morsels.

Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that celebrates simplicity and joy.

Tips That Keep These Cookies Light and Buttery

• Add a splash of milk if the dough feels too stiff, creating perfectly tender cookies every time.
• Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for convenient baking.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic treat.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange instead of vanilla, or add a sprinkle of anise seeds for a traditional Italian bakery-style flavor profile.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Serve Italian S Cookies with Coffee or Tea

• Festive Family Gathering: Serve these Italian S cookies during holiday celebrations, creating warm memories around the table with loved ones.
• Elegant Tea Time Treat: Pair these delicate S-shaped cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or Italian espresso for a sophisticated afternoon snack.
• Dessert Platter Charm: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside fresh berries, dark chocolate pieces, and a small bowl of whipped cream for an impressive dessert presentation.
• Gift-Worthy Delicacy: Package the cookies in a charming gift box with a ribbon, making them a perfect homemade present for friends and family who appreciate traditional Italian baking.

Store the S Cookies in a Cookie Jar or Tin

• Store cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicate texture. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious results.
• Place cookies in sealed container with tight-fitting lid, keeping them at steady room temperature. Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and crispness.
• Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and shape/bake when ready. Dough can maintain quality when chilled, ensuring consistent flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Italian S Cookies?

The main ingredients include flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. These simple pantry staples create a delightful, traditional Italian cookie with a soft texture and subtle citrus flavor.

• Can I make these cookies without eggs?

No, eggs are crucial for binding the dough and providing structure. Removing eggs would significantly change the cookie’s texture and consistency. If you have egg allergies, you’ll need to find a specialized egg substitute recipe.

• Why do these cookies have an S shape?

The S shape is a traditional Italian cookie design that represents good luck and prosperity. It’s a cultural baking technique passed down through generations, making these cookies not just delicious but also meaningful in Italian baking traditions.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. Bake for 12-15 minutes, being careful not to overbake. The cookies should remain soft and have a delicate, tender texture when done.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 24

Italian S Cookie Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and classic texture for authentic Italian cookies.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, gentle rise and soft crumbly consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender base with delicate melt-in-mouth sensation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve golden-brown edges.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to smooth, cohesive texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting background flavor classic to Italian baking.
• Lemon Zest: Offers bright, citrusy notes that elevate traditional cookie profile.
• Milk: Optional moisture booster to adjust dough consistency if needed.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional elegant finishing touch for light, decorative dusting.

Tools That Help Shape Italian S Cookies Easily

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating the cookie dough.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for whisking together dry ingredients like flour and baking powder.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly and break up any flour lumps.
• Baking Sheets: Needed for baking and holding the shaped S cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
• Zester or Grater: Used for creating fresh lemon zest.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and mix ingredients thoroughly.

Bake Italian S Cookies with Classic Texture

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab some parchment paper and line your baking sheets for a smooth cookie adventure.

• Blend Dry Components

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl until they’re perfectly mixed and looking smooth.

• Whip Butter and Sugar

In a big bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

• Infuse with Flavor

Drop in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla and sprinkle lemon zest. Mix until everything dances together harmoniously.

• Merge Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. If the dough feels too stiff, splash a bit of milk to make it soft and pliable.

• Create Cookie Shapes

Roll small chunks of dough into slender ropes about hand-length. Twist each rope into a graceful S shape and place carefully on baking sheets.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your cookie sheets into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden color. Watch closely to keep them tender.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy and serve with joy.

Sweet Italian S Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful Italian s cookies blend traditional Southern Italian flavors with sweet nostalgia. Buttery pastries offer a perfect balance of texture and warmth that connect generations of family recipes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) milk (optional, for softer dough)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring uniform ingredient distribution.
3. Creamy Foundation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, developing a voluminous texture through vigorous mixing.
4. Flavor Infusion: Blend eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract and lemon zest, creating a smooth, harmonious mixture.
5. Dough Formation: Fold flour mixture into creamy base, creating a supple dough. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed for perfect texture.
6. Cookie Shaping: Roll dough into slender 4-5 inch ropes, artfully curving them into distinctive S-shapes on prepared baking sheets, maintaining ample spacing.
7. Baking Transformation: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden, carefully preserving the cookies’ tender interior and delicate structure.
8. Finishing Touch: Allow cookies to cool briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Chill Dough for Perfection: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to enhance texture and prevent spreading during baking.
• Precise Shaping Technique: Use consistent pressure and light touch when rolling dough ropes to ensure uniform cookie size and elegant S-curves.
• Moisture Control: Add milk sparingly if dough feels dry, using just a teaspoon at a time to maintain ideal consistency without making it too wet.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 117
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg