As the holiday season approaches, there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air. Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with the sweet, comforting flavors of vanilla and almond. These cookies, with their festive icing and colorful sprinkles, are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
A Festive Treat for Everyone to Enjoy
This Italian Christmas Cookie recipe is not just about creating delicious treats; it's about bringing joy and warmth into your kitchen. These cookies are wonderfully light and buttery, with a sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. Let’s get into the spirit of the season and bake a batch of these festive cookies together!
Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
- Soft Butter Is Key: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve that light, fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Uniform Cookies: Roll the dough into consistent 1-inch balls and use the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly for uniform baking.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: These cookies should only be lightly golden when done. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
- Decorating Fun: Get creative with the sprinkles! Apply them while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick.
- Let Them Set: Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies to keep the texture perfect.
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Serving: Makes about 36 cookies
- Equipment: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, wire rack
Indulge in the festive cheer with these easy-to-make and utterly delicious Italian Christmas Cookies. Perfect for holiday parties or a family baking day!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Sprinkles for decorating
Directions:
- Prep the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This base will help give the cookies their texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, stirring to form a smooth dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place them on your prepared sheets. Flatten each ball slightly for a uniform cookie.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for a light golden color—don’t overbake.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack. For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing, then sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
- Let Set: Allow the icing to harden before storing or serving these delightful cookies.
Perfect Addition to Your Holiday Celebrations
These Italian Christmas Cookies are more than just treats; they're a symbol of tradition and celebration. Enjoy the process of baking, decorating, and sharing these cookies, and let them add a touch of sweetness to your holiday festivities. Happy baking!
