The holiday season brings with it cherished traditions, and among the most beloved are homemade Italian Christmas Cookies. Whether you’re Italian or simply a fan of their rich flavors, these cookies are a must-have for the festive season. With their buttery texture and sweet glaze topped with sprinkles, they’re both visually delightful and delicious. But how do you make them? Let’s explore this popular recipe, along with some tips and tricks that’ll ensure your cookies are perfect every time.
What Are Italian Christmas Cookies?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s answer a common question: what exactly are Italian Christmas Cookies? These cookies are a classic part of Italian holiday celebrations, typically made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and eggs. What makes them unique is their tender, cake-like texture and the delightful glaze on top. Plus, they’re often flavored with vanilla or almond extract, giving them that signature taste.
While there are many variations of Italian Christmas Cookies, they usually share these characteristics: soft, buttery dough and a sweet icing glaze. These cookies are not only great for family gatherings but also make for wonderful gifts during the holiday season.
Why Italian Christmas Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
Italian Christmas Cookies stand out not only because of their taste but because they bring people together. Baking these cookies often becomes a family activity where everyone—from children to grandparents—can join in. Whether it’s rolling the dough or adding colorful sprinkles, there’s a role for everyone in making these treats.
Moreover, these cookies are versatile. You can tweak the recipe to include different flavor extracts, add festive toppings, or adjust the sweetness to suit your family’s preferences. They’re a true reflection of the love and warmth shared during the holiday season.
Ingredients for the Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
To make these delicious Italian Christmas Cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
These simple ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this recipe both easy and budget-friendly. Don’t underestimate the importance of high-quality butter and fresh eggs, as they contribute to the cookies’ delicate texture.
Step-by-Step Directions for Italian Christmas Cookies
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture that Italian Christmas Cookies are known for.
3. Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for a burst of flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stir until everything is just incorporated.
5. Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to create a flat surface. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Glaze and Decorate
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and finish with festive sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Notes and Tips for the Best Italian Christmas Cookies
- Don’t overwork the dough: This can make the cookies too dense. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Flavor variations: While almond and vanilla are classic choices, you can also experiment with lemon extract or even a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 3 months.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Although these Italian Christmas Cookies are a treat, you might be surprised that they’re not as indulgent as you might think. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (one cookie):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 200 IU
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
These cookies, when enjoyed in moderation, fit well into a balanced diet, especially during the holiday season when indulgence is part of the joy!
FAQs
Absolutely! You can either bake them and store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze the dough for later use.
You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract or another flavor like lemon or anise.
Don’t overbake! Keep a close eye on the cookies, and as soon as the edges are golden, remove them from the oven. Overbaking can lead to a dry cookie.
You can use any sprinkles, but classic red, green, and white sprinkles give these cookies that extra festive touch.
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the eggs.
Wrapping Up: Why Italian Christmas Cookies Are a Must-Try
In conclusion, Italian Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday dessert—they’re a way to bring family and friends together. Their simple ingredients and classic flavors make them a hit with people of all ages. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and results in soft, flavorful cookies that are perfect for any holiday gathering.
So, gather your ingredients, turn on some festive music, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will make your home smell like the holidays. Happy baking!
More Relevant Recipes
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Italian Christmas Cookies
These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are easy to make and customizable for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for that signature flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Softened butter is key: Don’t skip the step of softening your butter. It helps create that fluffy, airy texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. You want the edges to be just golden, not browned, to ensure the cookies remain soft.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with the extracts. If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can substitute it with lemon or anise for a different twist.
- Make them festive: Use holiday-themed sprinkles like red, green, and gold to make your cookies extra festive for Christmas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Italian holiday cookies, Christmas cookie recipe, Festive cookies