Italian Christmas Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick to prepare with pantry staples.
• Perfectly soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customizable with various colors and decorations.
• A traditional recipe that adds charm to holiday baking.
• Ideal for gifting or as a centerpiece for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional)

For Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk or water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (red, green, or festive colors)
• Sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a dough.
4. Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake: Bake 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 to a wire rack.
6. Make Icing: Mix powdered sugar with milk or water until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring for a festive touch.
7. Decorate: Once cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the icing and decorate with sprinkles. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Swap almond extract with anise extract for a traditional Italian flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
• Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped almonds or pistachios to the dough for added texture.
• Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a luxurious finish.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate before serving.
• Reheating: No reheating needed. Simply enjoy at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

2. What type of sprinkles should I use?

Use festive sprinkles in holiday colors, such as red, green, and white, to suit the Christmas theme.

3. Can I freeze these cookies after decorating?

While freezing decorated cookies is possible, the icing may lose its sheen. For best results, freeze undecorated cookies and ice them after thawing.

4. What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract or anise extract for a different flavor profile.

5. How can I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Avoid overbaking and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

6. Can I use royal icing instead of glaze?

Yes, royal icing works well and hardens beautifully for intricate designs.

7. Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional for this recipe, but it helps if the dough feels too soft to work with.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser.

9. How do I color the icing naturally?

Use natural food coloring alternatives like beet juice (red) or matcha powder (green).

10. What’s the best way to serve these cookies?

Serve them on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread or biscotti.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a timeless holiday classic that brings joy to every bite. Their tender texture, festive decorations, and customizable flavors make them a must-have during the Christmas season. Whether you bake them with family or give them as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.

 

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