Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond-Vanilla Glaze and Festive Sprinkles
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday treat, soft and lightly sweetened with a touch of almond and vanilla. Each cookie is dipped in a smooth glaze and topped with festive sprinkles, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. The cookies are tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for adding a touch of Italian charm to your holiday dessert table.
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
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Decorate: Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, then sprinkle with festive decorations. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- 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.