Description
Italian Christmas cookies are a classic holiday treat that captures the festive spirit with their sweet, almond flavor and delicate texture. These cookies are easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups plain flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond essence (or vanilla or anise extract)
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla essence
- Nonpareil sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sugar, and almond essence and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set. Cool completely.
- To make the glaze, combine icing sugar and milk in a bowl. Add almond extract. Dip cooled cookies in the glaze and immediately sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Notes
- Ensure to measure the flour correctly to avoid dry cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- You can freeze the cookies either glazed or unfrosted, and add the glaze when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80-100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg