ITALIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES
Soft, sweet Italian Christmas Cookies are perfect for the holidays, featuring a simple glaze and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup milk
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Glaze and Decorate:Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then add sprinkles immediately. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead:
Prepare and bake the cookies up to 3 days in advance. Glaze and decorate on the day of serving for freshness. - Customizing the Flavor:
Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist. Substitute almond extract with anise extract for a traditional Italian flavor. - Serving Suggestions:
These cookies pair perfectly with coffee, hot cocoa, or as part of a holiday dessert platter. - Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months.