The delicate charm of Italian Sprinkle Cookies lies in their joyful appearance and tender texture. These cookies boast a cakelike interior with subtle lemon and almond notes, all wrapped in a sweet, shiny glaze and a playful sprinkle topping. Perfect for celebrations, cookie swaps, or simply brightening an ordinary day, they capture the essence of Italian-American baking traditions.
Originally made for weddings and large family gatherings, Italian Sprinkle Cookies bring the taste of old-world hospitality into every bite. Whether served with coffee, tea, or on a festive dessert table, they remain a timeless treat. Simple yet nostalgic, these cookies are a true labor of love — made to share, savor, and smile over.
Full Recipe:
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6 large eggs, room temperature
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5 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups confectioners’ sugar
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2 tablespoons + 1½ teaspoons baking powder
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1 cup shortening
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3 teaspoons almond extract
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1½ teaspoons lemon extract
For the Glaze:
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3¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
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½ cup warm 2% milk
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Colored sprinkles
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Using a heavy-duty mixer, beat the eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes, until light and foamy. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
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On low speed, gradually beat in the shortening, almond extract, and lemon extract until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
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Gradually add the beaten eggs into the mixture; dough will be stiff.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes. The tops should remain pale while the bottoms turn lightly golden.
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Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining confectioners’ sugar, milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
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Once cookies are out of the oven, quickly dip 2-3 cookies at a time into the glaze using a slotted spoon or tongs.
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Place the glazed cookies on wire racks and immediately top with sprinkles.
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Allow the cookies to dry for 24 hours before storing in airtight containers.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 87 kcal per cookie | Servings: about 7 dozen
The Joyful Tradition of Italian Sprinkle Cookies
Italian Sprinkle Cookies, also known as Italian Wedding Cookies or Anginetti, are more than just a sweet treat—they are a culinary expression of celebration, heritage, and love. Found at weddings, christenings, holiday gatherings, and everyday family kitchens, these colorful cookies hold a cherished spot in the hearts (and taste buds) of generations. Their delicate, cake-like texture and lemon-almond flavor profile make them instantly recognizable and deeply nostalgic.
Where Did Italian Sprinkle Cookies Come From?
The origin of Italian Sprinkle Cookies is rooted in Southern Italy, where simple ingredients and family traditions guided home baking. The cookies are often associated with celebrations, especially weddings, where trays upon trays of various cookies are arranged in ornate displays. In Italian-American culture, they’re one of the most iconic cookie varieties to appear on the “cookie table,” a custom particularly popular in the Northeastern U.S.
While many Americans refer to them as Italian Wedding Cookies, that name can sometimes be confused with Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes—two entirely different types. Italian Sprinkle Cookies differ in that they are soft, not crumbly, and glazed rather than coated in powdered sugar. Their closest cousin in Italy is the uncinetti or anginetti, small, knotted cookies flavored with citrus and almond extracts, finished with a sugary glaze and colorful nonpareils.
Why These Cookies Are So Loved
There’s a reason these cookies have remained a staple in Italian households and beyond for generations. It’s not just the sweet glaze or cheerful sprinkles—it’s the texture. These cookies have a soft, airy, almost cake-like bite that feels more delicate than a standard sugar cookie. The lemon and almond extracts offer an aromatic depth that lingers just long enough to make you reach for a second.
They’re also easy to love because they’re versatile and simple. With no fancy techniques or special tools required, anyone can make them, even novice bakers. Their minimal, pantry-friendly ingredients make them accessible while still delivering flavor and visual appeal.
The Role of the Cookie Table
No discussion of Italian Sprinkle Cookies would be complete without talking about the legendary “cookie table.” This cultural phenomenon, especially popular in Italian-American and Eastern European-American communities in the Midwest and Pennsylvania, involves family and friends of the bride and groom contributing dozens of homemade cookies to serve guests. It’s not uncommon for there to be more than 10 or 15 varieties, sometimes totaling thousands of cookies.
Italian Sprinkle Cookies are almost always on that table, representing tradition, family effort, and generational recipes handed down through time. They are the cookie that everyone expects and remembers, often gone first from the table.
Flavor Profile and Texture
What sets Italian Sprinkle Cookies apart is their balance. They are not overly sweet; the glaze provides the right amount of sugary finish, while the cookie itself has a mild flavor that leans more toward subtle sophistication than sugary indulgence. The combination of almond and lemon extracts gives the cookie a clean, fragrant essence that feels both fresh and comforting.
Texture-wise, they are soft and pillowy, almost like little cakes rather than cookies. This is due in part to the use of eggs and shortening, which create a fluffy interior that contrasts nicely with the thin, crisp glaze.
The Signature Glaze and Sprinkles
The iconic look of these cookies comes from their simple glaze and rainbow sprinkles. The glaze is made with confectioners’ sugar, milk, and extracts, usually almond and vanilla. It’s applied while the cookies are still warm, allowing it to slightly soak in and dry with a smooth, glassy finish.
The sprinkles are added immediately after glazing, before it has a chance to harden. This allows them to stick and become part of the visual charm of the cookie. While rainbow nonpareils are the traditional choice, some bakers opt for pastel sprinkles during Easter or red and green for Christmas.
Sprinkles may seem like a minor detail, but for these cookies, they’re essential. They add not only color but also a slight crunch and whimsical charm that make them so beloved by children and adults alike.
Tips for Perfect Italian Sprinkle Cookies
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Use room temperature eggs: This helps achieve the signature fluffy texture.
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Beat the eggs well: Whipping the eggs until they’re light and foamy is crucial to the cookie’s airy structure.
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Don’t overbake: The tops should not brown. Only the bottoms should be slightly golden.
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Glaze while warm: This allows the glaze to set beautifully without sliding off.
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Let them dry properly: These cookies need a full 24 hours to dry before storing, ensuring the glaze hardens without sticking.
Popular Variations to Try
Although the classic lemon-almond version is the most beloved, Italian Sprinkle Cookies can be adapted in many ways:
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Anise Flavor: For a more traditional Italian flavor, swap out the lemon extract for anise extract. This lends a light licorice taste that’s especially popular in Southern Italy.
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Vanilla and Orange Zest: Some families prefer a pure vanilla base with the addition of orange zest for a citrusy lift.
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Coconut Glaze: Replacing some of the milk in the glaze with coconut milk and topping with shredded coconut makes for a fun twist.
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Chocolate Dipped: Once cooled and glazed, dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and allow it to set.
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Holiday Sprinkles: Customize the color of your sprinkles to match different holidays—pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, red and green for Christmas.
How to Store and Freeze
These cookies have a decent shelf life when stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For freezing, it’s best to freeze the unglazed cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw and glaze as usual.
If you must freeze glazed cookies, layer them with parchment or wax paper in between to prevent sticking. The glaze may slightly change texture after thawing, but the cookies will still taste wonderful.
A Cookie with Generational Appeal
Ask any Italian-American grandmother what cookies she made the most growing up, and there’s a high chance these will be on the list. Not just because they’re easy to make, but because they symbolize joy, family, and tradition. Kids love them for the sprinkles; adults appreciate their nostalgic charm and delicate flavors.
They also make excellent gifts. Packaged in a box or clear bag with a ribbon, they’re a festive addition to any holiday or thank-you gesture. Because they look so festive, they often stand out at bake sales, potlucks, and cookie swaps.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Cookie
Italian Sprinkle Cookies are a beautiful example of how food connects generations, preserves culture, and brings joy. Their bright, colorful appearance and soft, pillowy texture mask a humble simplicity that speaks to their heritage—made from pantry staples, flavored with tradition, and served with pride.
Whether you’re baking them for a wedding, a holiday, or just because it’s a rainy Tuesday afternoon, these cookies have a way of turning an ordinary moment into something special. They remind us that baking isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about bringing them together.