Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, tender vanilla-flavored treats perfect for the holiday season. They feature a delicate glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, making them festive and ideal for gifting or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Colorful holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer or by hand, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk to add flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep the cookies tender.
- Form and Bake Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting milk quantity to achieve a dip-able consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, return to the wire rack, and immediately sprinkle with colorful holiday sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Allow Glaze to Harden: Let the glaze harden completely on the cookies before storing them to avoid smudging or stickiness.
Notes
- For a fun variation, substitute almond extract with lemon or anise extract for a different flavor profile.
- These cookies stay soft and tender for days, making them perfect for gifting or cookie exchanges.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
