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Best Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 72 reviews

These Best Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful traditional treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a tender, slightly sticky dough infused with almond extract and topped with a luscious almond glaze and colorful nonpareil sprinkles, these cookies are sure to bring festive joy to your celebrations. They are quick to prepare, chilled to perfection for easy handling, and baked to a delicate finish, making them a favorite for gifting or sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (measured by spooning)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (or vanilla or anise extract)

Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
  • Nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder and flour thoroughly. Set aside this combined mixture to prepare other ingredients.
  2. Cream the Butter and Add Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, granulated sugar, and almond extract, continuing to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, though the mixture might appear a bit chunky at this point.
  3. Combine and Chill the Dough: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Once combined, cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour to make it easier to handle.
  4. Shape and Bake the Cookies: After chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a small scoop or tablespoon, measure and roll the sticky dough into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are set but not browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk, adding milk slowly one tablespoon at a time until a thick glaze forms. Stir in the almond or vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  6. Glaze and Decorate the Cookies: Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet to catch drips. Dip each cooled cookie upside down into the glaze to coat the bottom, then place the cookie right side up on the cooling rack. Quickly sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles before glaze sets. Allow icing to set completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature before creaming.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial to handle the sticky texture and maintain cookie shape.
  • Do not overbake; cookies should be just set to remain soft and tender.
  • Use almond extract for authentic flavor, but vanilla or anise extract can be substituted.
  • The glaze consistency should be thick enough to coat but not runny; adjust milk quantity accordingly.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Italian Christmas Cookies, almond cookies, holiday cookies, festive dessert, glazed cookies, traditional Italian dessert

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/best-italian-christmas-cookies-recipe/