Celebrate the season with these delightful Italian Christmas Cookies! Soft, buttery, and topped with a light glaze and festive sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Their delicate flavor and charming appearance make them a must-bake for your Christmas cookie platter.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Incorporate Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until evenly combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin for a charming holiday presentation. Adding a few holiday-themed decorations or napkins can enhance the festive look.
Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. For an extra treat, serve them alongside other holiday goodies like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
Portion Control: Since these cookies are quite sweet, serving them alongside some fruit or a cheese platter can balance out the flavors and make for a more satisfying snack spread.
Storage Tips:
Airtight Container: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to one week. If you’re stacking the cookies, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing: For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid Moisture: Keep the cookies away from moisture, as this can cause the glaze to become sticky or the cookies to become soft. Ensure your storage container is completely dry before adding the cookies.
Re-glazing: If you’re storing the cookies for an extended period, consider re-glazing them before serving to refresh their appearance and sweetness.
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FAQs:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?
Using salted butter in this recipe is possible, but it may slightly alter the flavor. If you choose to use salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Italian Christmas Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free, and check for any cross-contamination if needed.
How can I adjust the recipe to make a smaller or larger batch?
To adjust the recipe, simply scale the ingredient amounts accordingly. For a smaller batch, halve the quantities to make about 12 cookies. For a larger batch, double the ingredients to make around 48 cookies. Adjust baking times if necessary, and monitor the cookies closely to avoid overbaking.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake as directed.
Conclusion:
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their buttery texture and festive glaze make them a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy Christmas at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Enjoy baking and indulging in these sweet treats!
📖 Recipe:
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Italian Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and buttery Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. These delightful cookies are topped with a light glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them a charming addition to your Christmas cookie platter. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
