Italian Cookies

These italian cookies were a new Christmas cookie that my mom and I tried this year and I loved them! They have a really mild yellow cake flavor and the coconut on the top was great. When we dipped them in the icing, we put them on cooling racks to the excess could drip off. These will definately be regulars in my house!

Italian Cookies from Taste of Home (June/July 2009)

Ingredients

1/2 pound butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
6 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla or anise extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder

ICING:
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
5 to 6 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DECORATIONS:
Flaked coconut or assorted sprinkles

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extract. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For icing, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth. Dip cookies, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; decorate as desired. Let stand until set. Yield: 7 dozen.