Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Light and tender with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, they are a classic addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for traditional flavor)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- multicolored nonpareils or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the 2 tablespoons of milk, until a soft dough forms.
- Bake the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Allow cookies to cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Decorate the cookies: Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and top immediately with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, use anise extract instead of vanilla.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
