Italian Christmas Cookies

Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Italian Christmas Cookies. Soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with almond and vanilla, these treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, they bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
Colorful sprinkles for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk to create a glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size. The prep time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, bringing the total time to around 25-27 minutes.

Variations

• Nut Variations: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch.
• Flavor Twists: Substitute the almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a citrusy flavor.
• Frosting: Instead of a glaze, use buttercream frosting for a richer finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed cookies for a decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What if I don’t have almond extract?
   You can omit it or use additional vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour.
4. What if I want bigger cookies?
   Simply roll larger balls of dough and adjust the baking time as needed.
5. How do I get the glaze to set?
   Allow the glaze to dry at room temperature after drizzling it on the cookies.
6. Can I add food coloring to the glaze?
   Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze for a festive look.
7. What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?
   You can use a sugar substitute, but the texture and taste may vary.
8. How can I ensure even baking?
   Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
9. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, these cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze.
10. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
    You can personalize them with different colored sprinkles or edible glitter.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their soft texture and sweet glaze make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will surely spread holiday cheer at any celebration. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and make memories this festive season!

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