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–+ servings
One large Italian S cookie in white plate.
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5 from 5 votes

Italian S Cookies

Italian S cookies have a light and buttery texture, are flavored with lemon and vanilla, and are the perfect shape for dunking into a cup of coffee!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
refrigerating time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 36 cookies
Author: James Delmage

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
  • 12 tablespoons (170g) unsalted butter cubed and room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

For egg wash (optional)

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

Instructions

  • In a small bowl whisk the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla.
  • In a large bowl mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, butter, and sugar until small crumbs form.
  • Make a well in the middle of the large bowl, then add the contents of the small bowl and mix until just combined.
  • Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface, then knead gently for a few seconds until a ball forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375f and set the rack to the middle level. Line 3-4 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge and divide into quarters. Take a portion of the dough and roll an approximately 1/2" thick by 5" long rope. Form an "S" shape and place it onto the baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining dough.
  • Optional - brush the cookie with the egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  • Bake for 13-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to further cool. Enjoy!

Notes

  • It is recommended to use a scale to weigh the flour since a packed cup of flour could equal as high as 170g while a fluffed and spooned cup could equal just 120g.  That is a massive variation!
  • Don't overwork the dough, just combine it gently with a few seconds of kneading or until it comes together.  Over-kneading will make tougher cookies.
  • S cookies can be saved for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 14.2g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 4.2g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5.6g | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

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