An Irresistible Holiday Tradition: Italian Christmas Cookies
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air during the holiday season. These Italian Christmas Cookies are a timeless treat that combines the tenderness of a soft sugar cookie with the festive flair of colorful sprinkles. Perfectly buttery and subtly sweet, they’re a delight for both the young and the young at heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are incredibly soft and have a rich, buttery flavor.
- They hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for cut-out designs.
- Easy to customize with icing and sprinkles.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 3½ cups flour
- 4 tsp. baking powder
Icing:
- 2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 6 tsp. water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cookies:
- In a bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Mix in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, kneading until the dough is firm and not sticky. Add more flour if necessary.
- Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
- Cut off small amounts of dough and roll on a floured surface into 6-inch strips.
- Twirl into shape and place on greased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the bottoms are lightly browned while the tops remain light.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before glazing.
Icing:
- Combine the icing ingredients in a bowl until smooth. The consistency should be more thick than thin, yet still runny.
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then return to the wire rack, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides.
- Top with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is melted but not hot to achieve the perfect texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to make it easier to handle and shape.
- Customize the icing’s consistency by adjusting the amount of water.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.
- Use festive cookie cutters to celebrate various holidays.
- Try adding food coloring to the icing for a vibrant look.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can be used, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Conclusion
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a cherished holiday treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!
Delicious looking.