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Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

Delicious Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies Made Easy

Create delightful Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies adorned with vibrant icing, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Blog
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Christmas Baking, festive treats, holiday baking, holiday cookies, Italian cookies, Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • plastic wrap
  • wire rack

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup Butter Softened for easy mixing and a rich flavor
  • 1 cup Sugar Essential for sweetness and tender cookies
  • 2 large Eggs Provide moisture and binding; crucial for the perfect texture
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract Infuses a deliciously nutty flavor; can be swapped with vanilla extract if desired
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Form the structure of the cookies; measure accurately to avoid density
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Gives the cookies a light and airy texture

For the Icing

  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Main ingredient for icing that provides a sweet, glossy finish
  • 2-4 tablespoons Milk Adjust to achieve your desired icing consistency; start with a small amount for a perfect dip

Instructions

Cookie Preparation

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and baking powder, then set aside. Beat the softened butter until fluffy, then blend in the sugar, eggs, and almond extract. Gradually combine with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together and makes shaping easier.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until they are just set but not browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk until thick but pourable; then dip each cookie upside down into the icing.
  • Set the iced cookies on a rack so excess icing can drip off. Sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles immediately after icing to ensure they stick before it sets.

Notes

For an extra zing, add a dash of lemon zest to the icing. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 30mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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