There’s something truly magical about baking *Italian cookies for Christmas*. Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but reminisce about my childhood, when my Nonna would gather everyone in the kitchen, her laughter filling the air like the sweet scent of vanilla and almonds. We’d roll out dough, cut out festive shapes, and sprinkle powdered sugar like it was snow. It was our little tradition, and those moments were filled with warmth and joy. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing these delightful cookies with family and friends during the holidays. They’re not just a treat; they’re a symbol of love and celebration. So let’s dive into making these scrumptious cookies that will surely bring the festive spirit into your home!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare Italian Cookies Traditional Christmas
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when you’re ready to bake.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in that lovely vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—keep it gentle!
- Now, fold in the chopped almonds. You’ll love the crunch they add to these cookies!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie to let them spread.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re a light golden color. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. After they’re completely cool, dust with powdered sugar for that festive touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Delightfully sweet with a hint of almond flavor that captures the essence of Christmas.
- Festive appearance that adds charm to any holiday gathering.
- Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as homemade gifts.
- Traditionally made, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere in your kitchen.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Italian cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve that lovely, fluffy texture. If you want a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of almond extract along with the vanilla. Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is a little different, so check around the 12-minute mark. If you’re in a humid climate, consider adding a bit more flour to the dough to keep them from spreading too much. And remember, let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these Italian cookies! Try swapping out the almonds for chopped walnuts or pistachios for a different nutty flavor. You could even add some warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist. Feeling zesty? A little lemon or orange zest will brighten them right up! And for a chocolatey delight, toss in some mini chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Italian cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to extend their life, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—just dust with a little powdered sugar and they’re ready to delight your taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these numbers are just a rough estimate. Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, 8g of sugar, and 5g of fat. While these delightful Italian cookies are a treat, always consider your own dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy them as part of a balanced holiday celebration!
FAQ Section
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Italian cookies are perfect for making in advance. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that lovely festive touch!
What can I substitute for almonds?
If you’re looking to change things up or have nut allergies, feel free to substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. You could also use other nuts like hazelnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They’re done when they turn a light golden color and the edges look set. If they’re still pale in the middle, give them an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overbake them. You want them soft and chewy!
Can I add frosting or glaze to these cookies?
Oh, definitely! While they’re delightful as is, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or a bit of almond extract over the top for an extra sweet touch. Just let them cool first so the glaze sets nicely.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading excessively, it might be due to the butter being too warm or not enough flour in the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and if you live in a humid environment, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the mix to help them hold their shape!
Italian Cookies Traditional Christmas: 7 Festive Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Italian cookies for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped almonds.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: italian cookies traditional christmas
