pat's Recipe

Italian Cookies

Category: Cookies

1/2 lb butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder

ICING:
3-3/4 cups confectioners sugar
5-6 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

flaked coconut or sprinkles optional

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 3 ingredients until smooth. Dip cookies, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; decorate as desired. Let stand until set.

yield: 7 dozen