ITALIAN COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in ricotta and vanilla. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. , In a large bowl, cream together butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies and immediately decorate with sprinkles. Store in the refrigerator.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 
• Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl and set aside. 
• In a large bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Add in the whole egg, egg yolk and almond and vanilla extracts. Mix until incorporated. 
• Slowly fold the flour mixture into the sugar-egg mixture with a rubber spatula until even. Fold in the chocolate chips, pistachios and cherries. 
• Divide the batter into about 1/4 cup balls and space about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the sheets 180 degrees, switch racks and then bake until slightly golden brown, an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool, and eat on Christmas morning with a hot cup of coffee and amongst piles of wrapping paper and elated pajama'd kids.