Get ready to bake some delightful Spoon Cookies! This beloved Italian cookie recipe earns its charming name from its straightforward creation process. Simply drop the dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, making for a quick, easy, and utterly non-fussy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These classic Italian delights are known for their soft texture, sweet glaze, and festive sprinkles, bringing joy to every bite without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Spoon Cookies offer a satisfying and delicious experience. Their simple preparation doesn’t compromise on flavor or charm, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings, holiday platters, or simply a comforting snack with your afternoon coffee or tea. The magic lies in their unfussy nature and the heartwarming taste that transports you straight to an Italian bakery.

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These Italian Spoon Cookies are a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create something truly spectacular. Their name perfectly describes their preparation: simply scoop and drop. This method not only makes them incredibly easy to bake but also contributes to their charming, rustic appearance. Loved by many, these cookies offer a delicate flavor profile and a satisfyingly soft bite, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a casual treat any day of the week.

Ingredients for Italian Spoon Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of delicious Italian Spoon Cookies. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a perfectly smooth dough.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 6 large eggs, room temperature

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 5 cups all-purpose flour

• 1.75 ounce package multicolored sprinkles (jimmies)

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1/4 cup milk

Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Spoon Cookies

Follow these simple instructions to bake a perfect batch of Italian Spoon Cookies. Each step is designed to be straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the cookies go in. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential for preventing sticking and makes for easy cleanup, allowing the cookies to slide off effortlessly after baking.

• Step 2: Mix the Dough and Prepare the Glaze

  In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter (or margarine) with the white sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Next, beat in the vanilla extract and the six eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

  Once your dough is ready, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. While the cookies are baking, prepare your simple glaze: In a small bowl, gradually whisk the milk into the confectioners’ sugar, adding it a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, pourable, or drizzling consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drip off easily.

• Step 3: Bake, Cool, and Decorate

  Bake the cookies in your preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies are done when their edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial for the cookies to be fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

  Once cooled, generously drizzle each cookie with the prepared confectioners’ sugar and milk glaze. While the glaze is still wet, immediately sprinkle with the multicolored candy sprinkles (jimmies). The sprinkles will adhere beautifully to the fresh glaze, adding a festive touch and a bit of extra sweetness. Allow the glaze to set completely before stacking or serving the cookies.

Tips for Perfect Italian Spoon Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Spoon Cookies at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother, more aerated batter, which translates to a softer cookie texture.
• Do Not Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix the dough only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• Consistent Scoop Size: Use a consistent spoon size (e.g., a standard tablespoon) to drop your dough. This ensures all cookies are roughly the same size and bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper is Key: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes transferring the delicate cookies much easier.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue here! Glazing warm cookies will cause the glaze to melt and run off. Wait until they are fully cooled on a wire rack.
• Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more confectioners’ sugar. The ideal consistency is pourable but still opaque.
• Fresh Sprinkles: Use fresh, vibrant sprinkles for the best visual appeal. Apply them immediately after glazing so they stick properly.

Spoon Cookie Variations & Serving Suggestions

While the classic Italian Spoon Cookie is perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or occasion:

• Flavor Extracts: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a delicate nutty flavor, or lemon extract for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fragrant boost.
• Different Toppings: Instead of multicolored sprinkles, try chocolate sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon sugar before baking. For a more elegant look, use edible glitter or pearl dust on the glaze.
• Chocolate Glaze: Melt some chocolate chips with a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil for a rich chocolate glaze.
• Serving Suggestions: These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of strong Italian coffee, espresso, or a soothing cup of tea. They are also fantastic on a dessert platter for parties, as an after-dinner treat, or packed in a decorative box as a homemade gift.

Storing Your Spoon Cookies

To keep your Italian Spoon Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you’ve used a glaze, ensure it’s fully set before stacking them with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then glaze and sprinkle as desired.