The holiday season brings joy, love, and a delicious array of festive treats. One of the most delightful recipes you can make during this time is Italian Christmas Cookies. These soft, sweet cookies are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their beautiful colors and festive decorations will add a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering!
Why Make This Recipe
Italian Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday treat loved by many. They are simple enough for anyone to make, including beginner bakers! The delightful combination of flavors like vanilla and almond will fill your home with holiday spirit. Plus, they are fun to decorate, making it a great activity to enjoy with kids or family members. Best of all, they make wonderful gifts or sweet additions to holiday parties. This recipe will create a batch of cookies that brings smiles and joy to anyone who tries them!
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies
Making Italian Christmas Cookies is a breeze. Just follow the clear steps below, and you will have a delicious batch ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional)
For Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or festive colors)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes clean-up much easier!
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This will make your cookies soft and delicious.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest (if you are using it) to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to keep them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk (or water) to create a smooth consistency. Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring to make it festive!
- Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops in the icing, sprinkle with festive decorations, and let the icing set.
Enjoy these soft and festive Italian Christmas cookies!
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies
These cookies are fantastic to serve at holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or family parties. Arrange them on a festive platter and watch how quickly they disappear! You can also pack them in decorative boxes to give as homemade gifts to friends and loved ones. Don’t forget to pair them with a warm cup of cocoa for extra coziness!
How to Store Italian Christmas Cookies
To keep your Italian Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Italian Christmas Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different icing colors and decorations to match your holiday theme.
- If you don’t have almond extract, you can skip it or substitute it with extra vanilla for a different flavor.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for different flavor variations. You can also adjust the icing by using different flavors like peppermint or citrus!
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.
2. How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let it warm up a bit before rolling it out.
Enjoy baking these festive Italian Christmas Cookies with your loved ones, and may your holidays be filled with joy and sweet treats!