Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract (or zest of one lemon)
For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Colorful nonpareils (sprinkles) for decorating
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla and lemon extracts.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk (or lemon juice) and vanilla until smooth.
11. Dip tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, letting excess drip off.
12. Immediately top with colorful nonpareils before glaze sets.
13. Let glaze harden fully before storing or serving.
Notes
Use high-quality extracts and fresh zest for the best flavor.
Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a soft, cake-like texture.
Let glaze fully dry before storing to prevent sticking.
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week.
Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months and glaze after thawing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
