Italian sugar cookies are a classic sweet treat that has won over palates in various cultures. Although their name suggests an Italian origin, these cookies have roots that intertwine with European and American traditions. In Latin American countries, these cookies are also known simply as "butter cookies" or "sugar cookies," and they are especially popular during family celebrations and holidays.
In Italy, there are several versions of sweet cookies, but Italian sugar cookies with their soft texture and balanced flavor have also become popular outside the country, adapted with local ingredients. In other Latin American countries, they may vary slightly in name or ingredients, but the love for a sweet cookie, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, is universal.
How to Make Italian Sugar Cookies
To begin preparing these delicious cookies, first beat the vegetable shortening and sugar with an electric mixer until you get a creamy mixture.
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition so the mixture becomes homogeneous.
Incorporate the buttermilk, lemon extract, baking soda, and cream of tartar, and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
With a wooden spoon, add the flour little by little, 1 cup at a time, until the dough has a firm and manageable consistency.
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving a space of 2 to 3 inches between each one so they don't stick together while baking.
If you decide not to use icing, you can press nuts or chips onto each cookie to give it a crunchy and decorative touch.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), placing them on the center rack, for 10 to 13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the surface looks firm.
It is important not to overbake, as this can cause the cookies to become dry and hard.
Remove the cookies carefully and place them on a rack to cool completely.
Finally, ice or decorate the cookies to your liking, using icing and colored sugar to sprinkle and give them a festive and delicious touch.
To keep them fresh, store the cookies in an airtight container, where they will maintain their softness and flavor for longer.
