Let’s dive into the world of Italian baking with these irresistible Christmas cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these treats are not just delicious but also a joy to make. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of almond extract and vanilla gives these cookies a uniquely festive flavor.
- Using butter ensures a rich, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- The colorful icing and sprinkles make them as beautiful as they are tasty, perfect for gifting.
- They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- These cookies freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- For the icing: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, food coloring, sprinkles
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms. Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Take small pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Tip: For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should still be soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 4: Decorate with Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing, then sprinkle with decorations. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth, evenly mixed dough. If you’re short on time, you can skip the icing and simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a simpler look. To add a nutty flavor, mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts into the dough. For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough. If you’re making these cookies ahead of time, freeze them without the icing and decorate them after thawing.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: After icing, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.
- Fruit Flavored: Replace the almond extract with raspberry or orange extract for a fruity flavor.
- Nutty Cookies: Roll the dough balls in crushed nuts before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?
Absolutely! While an electric mixer makes the process easier, you can certainly mix the dough by hand. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious. Just make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate enough air into the dough.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. If you’ve iced them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the taste and make the cookies spread more during baking. If you do use margarine, choose a stick variety rather than a tub to better mimic butter’s consistency.
Summary
These Italian Christmas cookies are a festive, flavorful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Easy to make and customizable, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition.