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Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

These traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, tender, and filled with delightful almond or vanilla flavor. Perfectly baked with a light texture and finished with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, they make a charming treat for holiday celebrations or gift-giving.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon anise extract)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons cream or milk, warmed
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and your choice of almond, vanilla, or anise extract until smooth. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms.
  2. Shape and chill the dough balls: Using a tablespoon, roll the dough into individual balls. Place the dough balls on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up, or alternatively, freeze for 15-20 minutes to speed this process.
  3. Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly apart. Bake for about 9 minutes until the tops are set and light colored, with the bottoms turning lightly browned. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to cooling racks to cool completely.
  4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, almond or vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and warmed cream or milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and achieves a thin but creamy consistency suitable for dipping.
  5. Glaze and decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with festive Christmas sprinkles for a colorful, seasonal touch. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • You can substitute the extracts based on preference or availability—vanilla or anise both work well alongside almond.
  • Ensure dough balls are well chilled before baking to maintain shape and texture.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
  • The glaze should be thin enough to coat the cookie tops without dripping excessively; adjust cream or powdered sugar accordingly.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/italian-christmas-cookies-recipe/