Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit of the holiday season. Soft, tender, and lightly sweetened, these cookies are coated with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a classic holiday dessert, these cookies are sure to become a new tradition.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Beautiful: The glaze and sprinkles make these cookies a stunning addition to any holiday table.
- Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth, thanks to their fluffy and light consistency.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different extracts like almond, anise, or vanilla to suit your taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields a generous batch, ideal for gift-giving or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla or almond extract (optional: anise extract)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in your choice of extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze, then top with sprinkles.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 30 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Variations: Substitute almond or anise extract for the vanilla to create a more traditional flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Decorations: Try using gold or silver sprinkles for an elegant touch or red and green sprinkles for a more festive look.
- Shape Options: Instead of rolling the dough into balls, shape it into crescents or twists for a unique presentation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: You can refrigerate the cookies to extend their shelf life to 7-10 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure that the dough is chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing the ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Whatโs the best way to achieve a smooth glaze?
Use a whisk to mix the powdered sugar and milk thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.
Can I use non-dairy milk for the glaze?
Yes, almond, soy, or oat milk work well as substitutes.
How do I make these cookies nut-free?
Opt for vanilla extract instead of almond extract to avoid nuts entirely.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients, but consider baking in batches to ensure even cooking.
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking can lead to dryness. Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them as soon as the bottoms are lightly golden.
Can I add food coloring to the glaze?
Yes, a drop or two of food coloring can add a festive touch to the glaze.
Do these cookies pair well with beverages?
Theyโre perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
What other toppings can I use besides sprinkles?
Try crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or edible glitter for variety.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Cookies are a must-have holiday treat that brings joy to the season. With their soft texture, customizable flavors, and festive decorations, these cookies are perfect for any celebration. Easy to make and even easier to love, theyโll quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Gather your ingredients and start a new family tradition with these irresistible cookies!
PrintItalian Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and fluffy Italian Christmas cookies are a staple during the holiday season. With a hint of anise or vanilla flavor, a sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles, they bring festive cheer to any dessert table. Easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or anise extract for traditional flavor)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract)
- Colored sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla (or anise extract) and milk until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (or anise extract) until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Decorate:
- Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Place the cookies back on the wire rack and immediately decorate with sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Set and Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- If you prefer, you can use lemon or almond extract instead of anise or vanilla for a different flavor profile.
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