The Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe is sweet, soft and buttery. These cookies look like cute little leaves and taste so good. They are great for holidays, tea time or a cozy evening.
The cookies are crispy outside and soft inside. You can shape them like leaves and dust them with sugar for shine. They look fancy but are very easy to make.
This Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe brings a small taste of Italy to your home. Let’s learn how to make Italian Leaf Cookies with simple things and easy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe
You will love this recipe because it is simple and fun. The cookies look like golden leaves that melt in your mouth. They taste buttery and have a light vanilla flavor.
The dough is soft and easy to shape. You can make them for any season or event. They taste great with tea, coffee or milk. Making these cookies feels calm and happy.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Italian Leaf Cookies
- Servings: 24
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 32 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 110 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Leaf-shaped cookie cutter
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Dough
Mix butter and sugar in a big bowl until soft and smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix again until creamy.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for 20 minutes. It will become easy to roll.
4. Shape the Cookies
Take out the dough and roll it flat. Cut leaf shapes with a cutter. If you don’t have one, use a knife.
5. Add Leaf Details
Use a small knife to draw lines like leaf veins. This makes them look pretty.
6. Bake the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes until light golden.
7. Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on a rack. Dust them with sugar for a nice look.
Tips to Make the Best Italian Leaf Cookies
- Use soft butter for smooth dough.
- Do not bake too long; keep them light in color.
- Chill dough before cutting to keep shape.
- Use good vanilla for better flavor.
- Add lemon zest for a fresh taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian Leaf Cookies with tea, coffee or milk. They also taste great with hot chocolate. You can make them for parties or holidays. They also make a cute homemade gift. Put them in jars or small boxes to share with friends.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep cookies in an airtight jar. They stay fresh for 7 days. For longer, store them in the fridge. You can freeze the dough too. Bake later when you need fresh cookies. Warm cookies for 2 minutes in the oven if needed.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Health Benefits
These cookies are made with simple, natural ingredients. Butter gives rich flavor and energy. They have no colors or preservatives. You can eat them in small portions as a treat. Baking them can also make you feel calm and happy.
Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Mix butter and sugar in a big bowl until soft and smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix again until creamy.
Add the Dry Ingredients
- Add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add a little more flour.
Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for 20 minutes. It will become easy to roll.
Shape the Cookies
- Take out the dough and roll it flat. Cut leaf shapes with a cutter. If you don’t have one, use a knife.
Add Leaf Details
- Use a small knife to draw lines like leaf veins. This makes them look pretty.
Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes until light golden.
Cool and Dust
- Let the cookies cool on a rack. Dust them with sugar for a nice look.
Notes
- Use soft butter for smooth dough.
- Do not bake too long; keep them light in color.
- Chill dough before cutting to keep shape.
- Use good vanilla for better flavor.
- Add lemon zest for a fresh taste.
FAQs about Italian Leaf Cookies
Q1: Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just skip the extra salt.
Q2: Can I color the dough?
Yes, add food color for fun fall cookies.
Q3: Can I make them early?
Yes, store the dough in the fridge and bake later.
Q4: Can I use almond extract?
Yes, almond extract gives a nice nutty taste.
Q5: How can I make them crispier?
Bake 2 minutes longer until edges are golden.
Final Thoughts
The Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe is simple and elegant. These cookies look pretty and taste amazing. You can make them easily at home with few ingredients.
They are perfect for holidays, gifts, or a relaxing tea time. With butter, sugar and flour, you can make magic in your kitchen.
So, try this Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe today and enjoy soft, sweet, and beautiful cookies with your family.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!