These classic Italian cookies are soft, buttery, and decorated with festive icing and sprinkles. Perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup milk
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts, giving the cookies their classic Italian flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is just combined. For a festive twist, you can fold in the chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips at this stage if you’d like!
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer, you can roll the dough into small balls or shape it into crescents for a more traditional look.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they should remain soft. After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the sweet glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner one.
Step 5: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle them with colored sprinkles right after glazing so they adhere nicely. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
These delightful Italian Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a gift. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy their soft texture and festive almond flavor!
These cookies are versatile, so feel free to make them your own by adding your favorite mix-ins or decorations. They’re sure to be a hit on your Facebook page and a must-have for the holidays