Description
Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, cake-like treats perfect for the holiday season. These traditional glazed almond-flavored cookies are easy to make and decorated with festive sprinkles, making them an ideal gift or addition to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Icing
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a soft texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the emulsion, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls or logs. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms turn lightly golden and the tops are set but not browned, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth and pourable to create the glaze.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the icing, return them to the wire rack, and immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before the glaze sets. Allow the icing to dry completely before storing or serving.
Notes
- The cookies have a soft, cake-like texture ideal for gifting during the holidays.
- For a citrusy flavor twist, substitute lemon or orange extract in the dough or icing.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before dipping in icing to avoid melting the glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
