Grandma’s Soft Italian S Cookies Recipe: Homemade Bliss

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen fill my mind when I think about these delightful Italian S cookies that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a delectable contrast in every single bite.

Homemade treats like these connect us to cherished traditions and warm family gatherings.

Simple ingredients come together with surprising ease, promising a delightful baking adventure.

Each cookie carries a whisper of nostalgia, reminding you of cozy afternoons and shared laughter.

My friends always request these irresistible little rounds of pure comfort.

You’ll want to savor every crumb and share the joy with everyone around your table.

Why Italian S Cookies Are Worth Baking

• Capture Classic Italian Comfort: These S-shaped cookies transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen, delivering authentic flavors and nostalgic memories with every delightful bite.
• Quick and Simple Baking Joy: Perfectly designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic techniques, making it an effortless and rewarding baking experience.
• Versatile Texture Delight: Featuring a soft, tender crumb with delicate lemon undertones, these cookies offer a perfect balance between crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center that appeals to all taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Treat: Ideal for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual dessert moments, these cookies bring people together with their charming S-shape and universally appealing flavor profile.

What You’ll Need For Italian S Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookies, all-purpose white flour works best.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Sugar: Key components for creating soft, rich cookie texture, use unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture, use large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor, pure vanilla is recommended.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy note to the cookies, fresh lemon provides best flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds subtle sweetness and elegant presentation, optional for serving.

Steps To Make Italian S Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your kitchen appliance to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for non-stick magic.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix these dry buddies until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Whip Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat them like you’re creating a fluffy cloud, continuing for 2-3 minutes until they become light and airy.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs And Flavors

Gently drop in eggs one at a time, then splash in vanilla extract and sprinkle lemon zest. Blend until everything looks harmonious.

Step 5: Marry Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly invite dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough emerges. If the dough feels stubborn, splash in a bit of milk to make it more cooperative.

Step 6: Create Cookie Shapes

Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a cute 4-5 inch rope. Twist the rope into a playful S shape. Place each cookie on the prepared baking sheet with some breathing room between them.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for edges turning a delicate golden color. Be careful not to overcook – we want soft, tender cookies.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, serve them up. Feel free to dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips For Better Italian S Cookies

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve a light, fluffy texture that ensures smooth cookie consistency.
• Zest with Care: Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the yellow part of the lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith for a clean, bright citrus flavor.
• Prevent Spreading: Chill the shaped cookie dough for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain the S-shape and prevent excessive spreading during cooking.
• Moisture Magic: Add milk sparingly if the dough feels too dry, using just 1-2 tablespoons to achieve the perfect soft, pliable consistency without making the dough too wet.
• Storage Smartness: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them fresh and soft.

How To Store Italian S Cookies

• Refrigerate: Store cooled Italian S cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating each layer. Freeze flat for maximum preservation, keeping them fresh for 3 months.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, restoring their original soft texture.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to refresh their freshly baked taste and warmth.

Tasty Sips Or Snacks With Italian S Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The delicate lemon zest in these Italian S cookies perfectly complements the rich, smooth espresso-based drink. The subtle sweetness and light texture of the cookies create a harmonious balance with the creamy foam and bold coffee flavor.
• Serve Alongside Sweet Dessert Wine: A chilled glass of moscato d'Asti brings out the cookie's citrusy undertones. The wine's gentle sweetness and low alcohol content make it an ideal companion for these delicate, soft-baked treats.
• Match with Fresh Ricotta: Spread a thin layer of creamy, slightly tangy ricotta cheese on the cookies to enhance their traditional Italian character. The soft cheese adds a luxurious texture and provides a delightful contrast to the cookie's crisp edges.
• Enjoy with Herbal Tea: A mild chamomile or lavender tea creates a soothing pairing that highlights the cookie's gentle lemon notes. The clean, light flavors of the tea complement the cookie's soft texture without overwhelming its delicate taste.

New Ideas For Italian S Cookies

• Zesty Orange Splash: Replace lemon zest with fresh orange zest and add a hint of orange extract for a citrusy, bright flavor profile. Drizzle with orange-infused glaze after cooling.
• Almond Dream: Incorporate finely ground almonds into the dough and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking. Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for deeper nutty undertones.
• Chocolate Marble Magic: Divide the dough in half, mix cocoa powder into one portion, then swirl the two together when shaping the S-shaped cookies. Create a beautiful marbled effect with rich chocolate notes.
• Lavender Honey Touch: Mix dried culinary lavender into the dough and finish with a light honey glaze. Sprinkle some additional lavender buds on top for an elegant, aromatic twist.

FAQ About Italian S Cookies

• What makes Italian S Cookies unique?

These classic Italian cookies are known for their distinctive S shape and delicate flavor profile, combining subtle sweetness with hints of vanilla and lemon zest. They’re a traditional treat that represents simple Italian baking at its finest.

• Can I make these cookies without a special tool?

No special tools are needed! You can easily shape the cookies by hand, rolling the dough into a rope and then forming the classic S shape. It’s a simple and fun process that anyone can do.

• Why do these cookies have an S shape?

The S shape is a traditional Italian cookie design that has cultural significance. It not only looks beautiful but also helps the cookie bake evenly and creates an appealing texture with slightly crisp edges and a soft center.

• Are these cookies good for special occasions?

Absolutely! Italian S Cookies are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as a delightful accompaniment to coffee or tea. They’re elegant yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment and always impress guests with their classic charm.

Italian S Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Rustic Italian s cookies bring pure Mediterranean charm to dessert tables with sweet almond essence and nostalgic texture. Light, crumbly pastries invite sweet moments of comfort and connection, drawing friends and family close with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Optional Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons milk (for softer dough)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by arranging oven racks and lining baking sheets with protective parchment, heating the oven to a moderate 350F (175C).
2. Sift together flour, leavening agent, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring smooth integration of dry components.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and granulated sweetener until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with a light, creamy texture.
4. Introduce eggs individually into the butter mixture, incorporating each thoroughly. Fold in fragrant vanilla essence and bright citrus zest, blending until harmoniously combined.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the moist mixture, stirring until a cohesive, supple dough emerges. Should the mixture feel dense, introduce small amounts of milk to achieve an ideal consistency.
6. Portion dough into tablespoon-sized segments, carefully rolling each into elongated ropes. Artfully curve each rope into elegant S-shaped forms, positioning them strategically on prepared baking surfaces with adequate spacing.
7. Transfer cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake until edges acquire a delicate golden hue, approximately 12-15 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent excessive browning.
8. Remove cookies and permit initial cooling directly on baking sheets for a brief five-minute interval. Transition delicate treats onto wire cooling platforms, allowing complete temperature reduction. Optional: Dust with fine powdered sugar for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Softening butter is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture in the cookie dough. Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before starting.
• Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that elevates these traditional Italian cookies. Grate only the yellow part of the lemon to avoid bitter white pith.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
• Control cookie thickness by rolling dough ropes consistently. Use a light touch when shaping to prevent dense, tough cookies that can become dry and crumbly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg