Buon Natale! There’s nothing quite like the holiday season to bring people together, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of traditional Italian Christmas Cookies? These delightful, bite-sized treats are a holiday classic, perfect for adding a festive touch to your dessert table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Italian Christmas Cookies recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of the holiday season with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Introduction
Italian Christmas Cookies, also known as Anginetti or Italian Wedding Cookies, are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet glaze with festive sprinkles. They have a delicate almond and vanilla flavor that makes them irresistibly delicious. These cookies are a traditional favorite in Italian households, often baked during the holiday season and served at family gatherings. They’re known for their simple yet rich flavor and are often decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any festive occasion.
This recipe for Italian Christmas Cookies is easy to make, and the end result is a light, cake-like cookie that melts in your mouth. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, as you can customize them with different sprinkles and even add flavors to the glaze. If you’re a fan of holiday baking or looking for a delightful treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are a must-try!
Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookies, providing structure and texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This gives the cookies a rich and creamy flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their soft, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A traditional flavoring in Italian cookies, adding a subtle, nutty taste.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For the sweet glaze that tops the cookies.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – To create the perfect consistency for the glaze.
- Sprinkles for decoration – Add a festive touch with your choice of sprinkles!
Optional Substitutions:
- If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- To make these cookies dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative and almond milk in the glaze.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies – Step by Step
Now, let’s walk through the steps on how to make Italian Christmas Cookies. This recipe is straightforward and fun, making it a great holiday baking project!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for giving the cookies a soft, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to give the cookies their signature flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For a uniform look, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops into the glaze and sprinkle with your favorite festive decorations.
Let the glaze set before serving or storing the cookies.
Helpful Tips for Italian Christmas Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Custom Decorations: Feel free to get creative with the decorations! You can use nonpareils, sugar pearls, or even colored icing to make your cookies stand out.
Cooking Tips for the Best Italian Christmas Cookies
To achieve the best results, here are some helpful Italian Christmas Cookies cooking techniques:
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Check the expiration date on your baking powder to ensure that your cookies rise properly and have the perfect texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls.
- Avoid Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft and tender, so be sure to take them out of the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Christmas Cookies
These Italian Christmas Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to take your holiday dessert table to the next level:
- Coffee or Espresso: Serve these cookies with a strong cup of Italian espresso or cappuccino for a true Italian dessert experience.
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Pair these cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or biscotti for a colorful and diverse cookie platter.
- Festive Drinks: Serve with a glass of milk for kids or a spiced holiday cocktail for adults to enjoy alongside these sweet treats.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are a delightful treat, it’s always nice to know the nutritional value of what you’re eating. Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional info for Italian Christmas Cookies.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Storage and Leftovers for Italian Christmas Cookies
Wondering how to store and keep your Italian Christmas Cookies fresh? Here are a few tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh!
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their freshly baked taste.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Italian Christmas Cookies
1. Can I make Italian Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These cookies store well in an airtight container for several days or freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use different flavors in the glaze?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond or lemon extract for the milk in the glaze for a more unique flavor.
3. What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, you can simply replace it with more vanilla extract or a flavoring of your choice.
4. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Related Recipes for Italian Christmas Cookie Lovers
Looking for more holiday cookie inspiration? Here are two similar recipes from Optimal Recipes:
- Italian Wedding Cookies – A nutty and buttery variation of Italian cookies.
- Almond Biscotti – Crunchy and perfect for dipping in coffee, these almond-flavored biscotti are another Italian favorite!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Italian Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat to share with your loved ones. Their soft texture, sweet glaze, and festive sprinkles make them an irresistible addition to any Christmas celebration. We hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as we do! If you try this recipe, let us know how it turns out, and feel free to share your own variations in the comments.
Happy baking, and Buon Natale!
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Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe – Soft & Festive Treats
Description
Buon Natale! There’s nothing quite like the holiday season to bring people together, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of traditional Italian Christmas Cookies? These delightful, bite-sized treats are a holiday classic, perfect for adding a festive touch to your dessert table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Italian Christmas Cookies recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of the holiday season with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookies, providing structure and texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This gives the cookies a rich and creamy flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their soft, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A traditional flavoring in Italian cookies, adding a subtle, nutty taste.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For the sweet glaze that tops the cookies.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk – To create the perfect consistency for the glaze.
- Sprinkles for decoration – Add a festive touch with your choice of sprinkles!
Optional Substitutions:
- If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- To make these cookies dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative and almond milk in the glaze.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for giving the cookies a soft, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to give the cookies their signature flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For a uniform look, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops into the glaze and sprinkle with your favorite festive decorations.
Let the glaze set before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Custom Decorations: Feel free to get creative with the decorations! You can use nonpareils, sugar pearls, or even colored icing to make your cookies stand out.
