Name: Italian Knot Cookies (Anginetti)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 30 cookies
Cuisine: American

It is a Keeper Verified

February 16, 2026

Italian Knot Cookies (Anginetti), are always a favorite. This recipe is my grandmother’s recipe and is truly a treasure. Soft, pillow bites of perfection. These cookies are a favorite for our large family get togethers. These anginetti cookies can be used for almost any occasion. Christmas, Easter, weddings or really any day. They are so good you can not help but make them.

From the Cook

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Italian Knot Cookies (Anginetti)

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Beat in eggs and extracts for 30 seconds, then add half of the flour mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, then add remaining half of the flour mixture.

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the cookies on the prepared mats. For a more smooth appearance, you can roll the cookies into balls but that is optional.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until just lightly golden and cookies start to crack on top.

Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.

For the icing, whisk together powdered icing sugar, milk, melted butter and your choice of flavor extract and adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar or milk.

Portion one tablespoon of the icing onto each cookie and add sprinkles.

Allow icing to dry for 30 minutes before serving or storing.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Chill Dough Magic 🧊
Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create a more stable knot shape.
Extract Elegance 🍶
Use high-quality pure vanilla or almond extract for a more authentic and pronounced flavor profile in your Anginetti cookies.
Knot Technique Perfection 👐
When forming the cookie knots, roll the dough into a rope about 6 inches long and tie it loosely to prevent over-tightening, which can cause cracking.
Glaze Consistency Control 🥄
For the perfect icing, start with a thick consistency and add milk or cream gradually to achieve a smooth, glossy finish that coats the cookies evenly.
Sprinkle Timing Trick 🎨
Add Christmas sprinkles immediately after glazing while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick perfectly and create a beautiful, festive appearance.

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About the Cook

It is a Keeper

Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.