Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond-Vanilla Glaze and Festive Sprinkles

Italian Christmas cookies, with their tender, cake-like texture and delicate almond-vanilla glaze, bring warmth and tradition to any holiday spread. These cookies are simple to make but carry a special charm with their festive sprinkles and subtle almond aroma. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday gatherings, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a delightful addition to your seasonal baking.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Festive and Fun: Topped with colorful sprinkles, they’re an eye-catching treat for any holiday table.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these up in a box or bag, and they make a lovely homemade gift.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and cake-like, these cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that everyone loves.
• Customizable: Use different sprinkles or add flavor variations to suit your taste.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Small mixing bowl for glaze

Recipe for Italian Christmas Cookies

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie

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

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Festive sprinkles for decoration

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for a fragrant flavor base.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass for a uniform shape.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still fluid enough to spread easily. Add a bit more milk if the glaze is too thick.

Step 8: Decorate

Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, then add sprinkles on top while the glaze is still wet. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or packaging.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve these cookies at room temperature as part of a holiday cookie platter or with coffee or tea.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Helpful Notes and Variations

• Almond Flavor: Adjust the almond extract to taste. For a stronger flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of glaze, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a different look and flavor.
• Colorful Glaze: Use food coloring in the glaze for a more festive touch. Red and green are classic choices for Christmas.
• Holiday Shapes: For a fun twist, shape the dough into small wreaths or other holiday shapes, adjusting baking time as needed.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: As advised by Italian chef Lidia Bastianich, using room-temperature ingredients for the butter and eggs ensures a smooth, even dough, which results in better texture and consistency.
• Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 15 minutes to make handling easier.
• Use Fresh Baking Powder: As baking expert Dorie Greenspan recommends, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as it helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! These cookies can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A: If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired thickness.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon if using salted butter.

Q: Can I add different extracts or spices to the dough?
A: Absolutely! Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor, or swap out the almond extract for lemon or anise for a unique twist.

Q: How do I prevent the sprinkles from melting into the glaze?
A: Let the glaze set slightly before adding the sprinkles, or use nonpareil sprinkles, which tend to hold their shape better than softer sprinkles.

Enjoy baking these Italian Christmas cookies! They’re a beautiful way to bring Italian tradition into your home, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends this holiday season. Buon Natale!

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