Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

Italian Christmas cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, bringing together the warmth of tradition and the joy of festive flavors. These soft, pillowy cookies are lightly sweetened and topped with a shiny glaze and colorful sprinkles. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea during the cozy winter season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: Italian Christmas cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
2. Festive Appearance: Their delicate glaze and vibrant sprinkles add a cheerful touch to any holiday dessert table.
3. Customizable Flavors: While traditionally flavored with vanilla or almond, you can easily adapt the recipe with lemon, anise, or other extracts to suit your taste.
4. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies travel well and look stunning when packaged in festive tins or boxes.
5. Family Tradition: Making these cookies is a beloved activity in many Italian households, creating cherished memories during the holidays.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)
• Milk
• Powdered sugar
• Nonpareils or sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies have a tender texture.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, for a rich and aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls. Roll them between your palms for an even shape.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
2. For a festive twist, add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze.

Step 6: Decorate the Cookies

1. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Immediately sprinkle with nonpareils or sprinkles before the glaze sets.
3. Let the glazed cookies rest on the wire rack until the glaze is fully set.

Variations

• Flavor Swap: Use lemon or orange zest in the dough for a citrusy kick. Anise extract is another classic choice for a traditional Italian flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based margarine, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for added decadence.
• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24-30 cookies

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and glaze them just before serving.
• Reheating: Italian Christmas cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies can be made up to three days in advance. Store them in an airtight container and glaze them closer to serving time for the freshest appearance.

2. What type of sprinkles work best?

Nonpareils or small, colorful sprinkles work best as they stick easily to the glaze and add a festive touch.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well to make a larger batch for gifting or holiday parties.

4. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.

5. Why is my dough too sticky?

If the dough is overly sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping.

6. What if my glaze is too runny?

Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, to thicken the glaze to your desired consistency.

7. Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze is traditional, you can skip it for a simpler cookie. You could also dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.

8. How do I ensure soft cookies?

Avoid overbaking. The cookies should be just set and lightly golden on the bottom for a soft texture.

9. Are these cookies nut-free?

Yes, but if you add almond extract, ensure it’s a nut-free version for those with allergies.

10. Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works perfectly for mixing the dough.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas cookies are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. With their soft texture, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles, they bring joy and tradition to any gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply for yourself, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of making (and eating) these delightful treats!

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