Introduction
Christmas in Italy is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and delicious culinary traditions. One of the highlights of the festive season is the array of Christmas cookies that fill tables and homes across the country. These cookies not only taste delightful but also carry the essence of Italian culture and festive spirit. In this article, we will explore a simple yet scrumptious recipe for Italian Christmas cookies that are perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted holiday sprinkles
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
To create these delightful Italian Christmas cookies, begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
After that, add the eggs, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until a dough forms, and then roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Once baked, allow them to cool.
For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops into the icing and immediately sprinkle with assorted holiday sprinkles. Let the cookies sit until the icing is set before serving or storing in an airtight container.
These delightful Italian Christmas cookies not only bring joy to your festive table but are also a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends during the holiday season.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in 3 large eggs. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 8: Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops into the icing. Immediately sprinkle with assorted holiday sprinkles before the icing sets.
Step 9: Let the Icing Set
Allow the iced cookies to sit until the icing is fully set before serving or storing.
Notes
Storage
Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Experimenting with Flavors
Feel free to substitute the almond extract with other extracts like orange or lemon for different flavors.
Sprinkles Variety
Use a variety of holiday-themed sprinkles to enhance the festive look of the cookies.
Nutrition Information
Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with the total yield being about 24 cookies.
