Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine them until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters in various shapes to cut out the Befanini cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cookie.
7. Decorate the cookies with colored sprinkles, pressing them gently into the dough.
8. Bake the Befanini in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
10. Once completely cooled, the Befanini cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, or package them in cute gift bags to share with your loved ones.
11. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Final Thoughts
Making Befanini cookies is a wonderful way to experience the flavors of traditional Italian baking. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity with cookie cutters and sprinkles, you can create a batch of delicious and beautiful treats. Whether you decide to enjoy them yourself or share them with others, Befanini cookies are sure to be a hit!
So don’t wait any longer, gather your ingredients, put on some Italian music, and immerse yourself in the joy of baking these delightful cookies. Buon appetito!