Description
Delight in these classic Italian Christmas Cookies, a soft and buttery treat flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. These festive cookies are baked until lightly golden and finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure an even texture. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly by pressing down with the bottom of a glass for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to form a glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving for a perfect festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Adjust milk quantity in glaze for desired consistency; thinner glaze will drip, thicker will coat better.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkles add festive color but can be omitted for a simple glaze finish.
