These delectable Italian Christmas Cookies will add festive Italian flavors to your holiday celebrations. These cookies, loaded with classic ingredients and a dash of magical festive flavor, are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Tasting Notes
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors. The tender texture and festive decorations make them a perfect treat for the holiday season. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or share them with loved ones for a truly authentic Italian experience.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored sprinkles, for decoration
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pistachios)
- Candied cherries or colored nonpareils
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (holiday shapes)
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use holiday-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze over the cookies. Immediately decorate with colored sprinkles, chopped nuts, or candied cherries.
- Allow Glaze to Set: Let the glaze set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can replace vanilla extract with anise extract in the cookie dough.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a diverse cookie platter.
Variations
- Add citrus zest to the glaze for a refreshing twist.
- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to a month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare the glaze and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Italian Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored sprinkles, for decoration
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pistachios)
- Candied cherries or colored nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use holiday-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze over the cookies. Immediately decorate with colored sprinkles, chopped nuts, or candied cherries.
- Allow Glaze to Set: Let the glaze set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
36 cookiesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
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