ITALIAN KNOT COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Cream sugar, butter, margarine, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract together in a large bowl. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating briefly after each addition.
• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add 1 cup at a time to the creamed mixture until a dough forms, using your hands if and when necessary. Turn out onto a floured board and knead briefly until smooth and a bit sticky, but not sticking to your hands. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
• Pull off small pieces of dough, 1 at a time, and roll into a rope. Gently place one end towards the middle, followed by the other end, in a way to slightly overlap each other. Repeat to form remaining cookies and place on the prepared cookie sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven in batches until just turning a light brown on the bottom, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile mix confectioners sugar, milk, and lemon juice together in a small bowl to form a thin glaze. Dip warm cookies in the glaze and sprinkle with sugar or sprinkles. Let set on waxed paper or a cooling rack to dry.

Steps:

• Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together. Cut in the butter until well-blended. Stir in the eggs and mix thoroughly.
• Knead dough on a floured surface until dough is elastic. Let dough rest for 1 hour.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Divide dough into 4 parts, keeping each piece covered until ready to use. Roll each piece into a thin rectangle, about 8x10 inches. Cut dough into strips about 8 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Tie each strip into loose knot.
• Fry cookies in hot oil 3 to 4 at a time, until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain well and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and honey, if desired. Serve hot or cold. Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container (see Editor's Note).