Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive, Easy-to-Make Recipe

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When it comes to holiday baking, few treats are as beloved and timeless as Italian Christmas cookies. These delightful little confections bring warmth, nostalgia, and a bit of festive flair to any table. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or sharing a special dessert with family, Italian Christmas cookies are sure to please everyone with their soft, buttery texture and sweet, almond-infused icing.

This cookie recipe isn't just about taste; it's about tradition. Across Italy and in Italian-American homes around the world, baking these cookies during the Christmas season has been a cherished activity passed down through generations. Every family has their variation, but the essence of these cookies remains the same—simple, delicious, and made with love.

The Beauty of Italian Christmas Cookies

The magic of Italian Christmas cookies comes from their simplicity. Soft, buttery, and mildly sweet, these cookies melt in your mouth and are often flavored with hints of almond and vanilla. Topped with a light icing and sprinkled with colorful decorations, they’re as festive as they are tasty. Italian cookies are traditionally made in various shapes, such as rounds, crescents, or knots, giving bakers the freedom to get creative during the holiday season.

While they might look fancy, Italian Christmas cookies are surprisingly easy to make. You only need basic ingredients, and the steps are simple enough for even beginner bakers to follow. This recipe allows you to bring a bit of Italian holiday magic to your kitchen.

Recipe: Italian Christmas Cookies

Ingredients: For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 tbsp milk (or water)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3 minutes.
   Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cookies to stay tender and light.
4. Shape the Cookies:
   Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. If you feel festive, shape the dough into crescents, knots, or other holiday shapes.
5. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; you want these cookies to remain soft in the center.
6. Cool the Cookies:
   After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from breaking.
7. Prepare the Icing:
   While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar and milk (or water) in a bowl until smooth. You can add food coloring at this stage to make the icing more festive.
8. Decorate the Cookies:
   Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops into the icing or spread it over them with a knife. Add sprinkles for a pop of color while the icing is still wet, so they stick.
9. Let the Icing Set:
   Allow the cookies to sit until the icing hardens before serving or storing them in an airtight container.

These Italian Christmas cookies are a treat that brings joy and festivity to any holiday celebration. Whether you make them with family or give them as a gift, their sweet almond flavor and colorful appearance will make them a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bring a little Italian tradition into your home this holiday season.

Sources:

1. King Arthur Baking – Italian Christmas Cookies
2. Taste of Home – Traditional Italian Cookie Recipe
3. Delish – Classic Italian Christmas Cookies