Indulge in the Dreamy Delight: Italian Creme Cookies

There’s something magical about capturing the essence of a beloved dessert in a new form. For years, the memory of a slice of Italian Creme Cake – that impossibly moist, coconut-and-pecan-studded marvel with its luscious cream cheese frosting – has lingered in my culinary consciousness. This past holiday season, I was tasked with bringing a unique contribution to our annual office cookie swap. Instead of a predictable gingerbread or a standard sugar cookie, I felt an irresistible pull to recreate that iconic flavor and texture in a bite-sized, shareable format. Hours were spent in my kitchen, the scent of vanilla, toasted coconut, and warm pecans filling the air, until finally, these Italian Creme Cookies emerged – a testament to the enduring allure of that unforgettable cake.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Yields: 36 cookies
• Servings: 8-12
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Eggs, Pecans, Coconut

Ingredients

For these exquisite Italian Creme Cookies, we’ll be working with two distinct components: the cookies themselves, and the decadent cream cheese frosting. Gather the following:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (1-ounce) box vanilla pudding (instant or cook-and-serve, prepared according to package directions will not be necessary, you just need the dry pudding mix)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups flaked coconut
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped into pieces

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 12 ounces powdered sugar (approximately 3/4 of a standard 16-ounce box)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped into pieces
• 1/8 cup milk (you may need slightly more or less depending on desired consistency)

Equipment Needed

To bring these Italian Creme Cookies to life, you’ll want to have these essential tools ready:

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (optional, for easier cleanup)
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for frosting

Instructions

The process of creating these cookies is divided into two clear stages: preparing the cookie dough and baking, followed by whipping up the luscious frosting.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare your baking sheets by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy removal and cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, begin by creaming together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, the dry vanilla pudding mix, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and developing a tender cookie base.
3. Next, mix in the two large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
6. The dough will be quite thick at this point. Now, it’s time to knead in the flaked coconut and 1 cup of the chopped pecans. You might find it easier to do this by hand with a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula, or even by gently folding them in with your hands until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
8. Place the flattened dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
9. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
10. While the cookies are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the softened 1/3 cup butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s incorporated. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
12. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
13. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to easily spread.
14. Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. It’s essential that the cookies are entirely cooled before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt.
15. Once the cookies have cooled, generously frost the tops with the prepared cream cheese frosting.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Italian Creme Cookies from delicious to truly exceptional, consider these professional insights:

• Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature for the frosting. This will prevent a lumpy frosting and allow for easier mixing. Cold dairy will fight against your efforts.
• Don’t Overbake: For that perfect tender texture, err on the side of slightly underbaking. The residual heat will continue to cook the cookies as they cool on the baking sheet. You’re looking for golden edges and a slightly soft center.
• Toast Your Nuts: For an intensified pecan flavor in both the cookies and the frosting, consider toasting the pecans lightly before chopping. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, until fragrant, then let them cool before chopping.
• Pudding Mix Matters: While any vanilla pudding mix will work for flavor, some brands might have slightly different starch content. If your dough seems unusually wet or dry, you can slightly adjust the flour or pudding mix, but always start with the exact measurements provided.
• Piping Perfection (Optional): If you want a more polished look, once the cookies are completely cooled, you can pipe the frosting on using a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Italian Creme Cookies are a showstopper on their own, perfect for afternoon tea, a coffee break, or as a delightful finale to any meal. They pair wonderfully with a rich espresso, a creamy latte, or even a delicate herbal tea.

For storage, keep the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a particularly warm environment, or if you’ve used a slightly softer frosting consistency, refrigerating them in an airtight container is recommended, where they will keep well for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies (baked and cooled) in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature and then frost. Frosted cookies can be frozen, but the texture of the frosting may change slightly upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1009.5 kcal
Calories from Fat		557 g
Total Fat	61.9 g	95%
Saturated Fat	27.1 g	135%
Cholesterol	127.9 mg	42%
Sodium	437.2 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	108.9 g	36%
Dietary Fiber	3.7 g	14%
Sugars	77.6 g	310%
Protein	9.7 g	19%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe sings with its classic components, there’s always room for creativity:

• Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, omit the pecans entirely. You could substitute with an extra 1/2 cup of coconut for a more pronounced coconut flavor, or add some colorful sprinkles to the dough for visual appeal.
• Citrus Zest Boost: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the cookie dough for a bright, refreshing twist that complements the sweetness.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: After frosting, a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top adds another layer of indulgence and visual appeal.
• Mini Cookies: Roll the dough into smaller, 1/2-inch balls and reduce the baking time to 7-8 minutes. This creates adorable, bite-sized treats perfect for platters.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant pudding mix instead of cook-and-serve?
A: Yes, you can use either instant or cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix in its dry form. The pudding mix contributes to the cookie’s tender texture and unique flavor profile.

Q: My frosting seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired spreadable consistency. Ensure your cream cheese and butter were properly softened.

Q: How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
A: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C). Over-creaming the butter and sugar can also contribute to spreading. Avoid chilling the dough unless the recipe specifically calls for it, as this recipe relies on the dough being pliable for shaping.

Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough (without the coconut and pecans) and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly, then knead in the coconut and pecans.

Q: What if I don’t have shortening? Can I use all butter?
A: While shortening contributes to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of softened butter. However, using all butter might result in a slightly crispier cookie.

A Sweet Finale

These Italian Creme Cookies are more than just a confection; they are a tender embrace of nostalgic flavors, a celebration of textures, and a testament to the joy of sharing homemade delights. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or embarking on your culinary journey, I encourage you to try this recipe. Let the aroma of baking fill your home, and savor the moment as you share these little treasures with loved ones. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, a special occasion, or simply as an everyday indulgence. Enjoy every delightful bite!