Description
Italian Christmas cookies are a cherished part of holiday traditions, symbolizing love, joy, and togetherness. These delightful cookies are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Eggs: 2
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Almond extract: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Sprinkles: for decoration
- Citrus zest: from 1 lemon or orange (optional)
- Chopped nuts: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough by creaming softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Shape the dough into balls or festive forms and place on baking sheets.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare glaze with powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over cookies, and add sprinkles.
Notes
- Measure ingredients accurately for best results.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the dough if it’s too soft for easier shaping.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Italian Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, traditional recipes