Italian Knot Cookies

Glazed know cookies in a tray with other Christmas cookies.

These are another traditional Italian holiday cookie, although originally they were made for weddings to symbolize tying the knot. No matter who you talk to they will tell you something different about the glaze flavor. Some like lemon and may include some zest in the dough, others are all about anise, and thee are even those who prefer vanilla or almond flavoring. I have done them all and have also used an orange glaze. They are all yummy, so be creative here and do whatever your favorite flavor is.

Traditionally, knot cookies are sprinkles with colored jimmies, I don't do this, but I have been known to tint the glaze in red and green for Christmas.

Knot cookie assembly photos.

THE RECIPE:

4 -5c flour

4 -5 eggs

1/4 lb (1 stick) butter softened or melted

1/4c cream cheese softened

6t baking powder

1-1/2c sugar

1/2c milk

Preheat oven to 400º

Cream wet ingredients and sugar then gradually add dry ingredients blending until dough forms.

Keeping dough cold make it easier to work.

Take small pieces of dough and roll between your palms to form a rope about 1/4" thick and a couple of inches long.

Take the little ropes and form them into a 'knot' (more like twisting a pretzel) place on cookie sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until just golden on the edges and bottom.

This batch was glazed in green. And clearly, these are not the best pics I've taken. When I make them this year I'll hopefully remember to take photos and update these.