Italian Christmas Cookies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup colorful sprinkles (for decoration) - 1/2 cup icing sugar (for glaze) - 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) You can swap some ingredients for different flavors. Instead of vanilla extract, try using lemon extract for a citrusy kick. If you are out of almond extract, use extra vanilla. Want to make the cookies dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter. For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free flour blend. Pick fresh ingredients for the best taste. Choose high-quality butter with no added fillers. Look for organic eggs; they often have richer flavors. When selecting flour, check for a fine texture. Fresh baking powder is key; if it’s old, it might not work well. For sprinkles, go for vibrant colors to make your cookies pop. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will keep the cookies from sticking. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy. Now, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg so the batter is smooth. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Blend these in until everything is combined. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix this batter. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon. Add colorful sprinkles generously on top for a festive look. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely and pull them out when the edges turn lightly golden. Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them hold their shape. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of icing sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until the glaze is smooth and lump-free. When the cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over each one. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before enjoying your delicious Italian Christmas cookies! When baking cookies, small mistakes can happen. Here are some common ones to watch for: - Not measuring ingredients: Always measure your flour and sugar with care. Too much flour makes cookies dry. - Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies. - Skipping the cooling step: Let cookies cool on a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them soft. The texture can make or break your cookie. Follow these tips for the best results: - Use softened butter. This helps create a light and fluffy mix. - Ensure your oven is preheated. A hot oven helps cookies rise and bake evenly. - Flatten cookies slightly before baking. This helps them spread nicely. Make your cookies shine with these simple decorating ideas: - Use colorful sprinkles. Add them before baking for a festive touch. - Drizzle with glaze. Mix icing sugar and milk, then drizzle it over cooled cookies. - Arrange cookies on a nice platter. Add pine branches or holly to make it festive. These tips will help you create beautiful and tasty Italian Christmas cookies. Enjoy your baking! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to handle, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping out cookies. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other extracts like lemon or coconut to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste. Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to ensure each cookie is the same size, which helps them bake evenly. Decorative Glazing: For a more festive look, try adding food coloring to your glaze or using a piping bag to create intricate designs on your cookies. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors of these cookies easily. Adding nut extracts is a simple way to enhance taste. For example, use hazelnut or pistachio extracts for a unique twist. You can also add citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor and adds freshness. Just a teaspoon of zest will make a big difference. Experiment with these flavors to find what you love best. The glaze is fun and easy to change. If you want a different taste, try adding a splash of almond extract or lemon juice to the icing sugar and milk mix. This gives the glaze a new flavor. You can also skip the glaze and roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar instead. This gives you a sweet, snowy look without the extra step. If you need gluten-free cookies, you can swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This works well, and the cookies still taste great. For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it. These changes keep the festive spirit alive while fitting your dietary needs. To keep your Italian Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. This method keeps cookies soft and chewy. If you prefer a crisp texture, keep them uncovered for a short time. You can freeze these cookies for later. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about one week. Make sure they are stored in a cool and dry place. If you see any signs of moisture, eat them right away. For the best taste, enjoy them within the first few days. You can make these cookies ahead by preparing the dough. After mixing, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, scoop and bake the cookies as directed. You can also bake them in advance. Store the baked cookies at room temperature for up to a week. Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. However, the flavor and texture may change slightly. Butter adds a rich taste that margarine may not fully replicate. If you choose margarine, ensure it is softened for easier blending into the dough. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. You can layer parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. For longer storage, place them in the fridge or freezer. In this guide, we covered everything from choosing quality ingredients to baking and decorating cookies. You learned about ingredient substitutions, how to avoid common mistakes, and ensured your cookies have the right texture. Don't forget the variations to make your cookies unique and special. With proper storage tips, you can enjoy these treats longer. Baking cookies is fun, and following these steps will lead to tasty results. Now, gather your ingredients and start baking your perfect cookies! Enjoy the process and happy baking!$

Italian Christmas Cookies

Festive cookies decorated with colorful sprinkles and a sweet glaze, perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 24

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup colorful sprinkles (for decoration)
0.5 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs into the bowl one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition to achieve a smooth batter. Then, incorporate the vanilla and almond extracts, blending until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar blend, stirring gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
With the back of a spoon, gently flatten each cookie, then generously sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the top of each one for a festive touch.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar and milk in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
When the cookies are cool, drizzle the prepared glaze over each cookie, allowing it to create a decorative pattern. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Arrange the cookies neatly on a festive platter. For an extra Christmas flair, decorate the platter with fresh pine branches or sprigs of holly.

Keyword Christmas, cookies, dessert, holiday