Introduction
Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and delightful treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are sweet, tender, and have a wonderful almond flavor, complemented by a beautiful almond-flavored glaze and colorful sprinkles. They add a festive touch to any cookie platter and are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings. Follow this detailed guide to create a batch of these charming cookies that will bring joy and holiday spirit to your celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract, or anise extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract, or anise extract
- ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (nonpareils)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Line a Baking Sheet: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside. These dry ingredients provide the structure and leavening for the cookies, ensuring they are tender and fluffy.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their tender texture.
Add Extract and Eggs: Add the almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Form Dough Balls: Once the dough is formed, use your hands to roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet. Refrigerate the dough balls for 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensures a nice, tender texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two additional baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Arrange Dough Balls: Place the chilled cookie dough balls onto the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry cookies.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling the cookies completely is essential before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
Mix the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and almond extract. Mix until the glaze is smooth and well combined. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still fluid enough to dip.
Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle the cookies with Christmas sprinkles (nonpareils) while the glaze is still wet. This ensures that the sprinkles adhere properly to the cookies.
Set the Glaze: Place the glazed cookies back on the wire cooling rack or a piece of parchment paper and allow the glaze to set completely. This may take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them to blend more easily and creates a smoother dough.
- Proper Mixing: Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, which gives the cookies a light and tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for maintaining their shape.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft to ensure a tender cookie.
- Glazing: Dip the cookies in the glaze and add the sprinkles immediately to ensure they stick. Allow the glaze to set completely before storing the cookies.
Variations
This versatile recipe can be customized in various ways to suit your tastes:
- Different Extracts: Substitute the almond extract with anise extract for a more traditional Italian flavor. You can also experiment with other extracts like lemon or vanilla.
- Colorful Glaze: Add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze to match the festive theme. Red, green, and white glazes can make the cookies even more vibrant.
- Additional Decorations: Besides sprinkles, you can decorate the cookies with edible glitter, colored sugar, or small candy pieces for added flair.
Storing and Serving
Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The airtight container helps to keep the cookies fresh and prevents them from becoming stale.
Freezing: These cookies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Italian Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a festive treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
Health and Safety
Safe Handling: Ensure that all ingredients, especially dairy products like butter and eggs, are fresh and stored correctly to avoid spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling the ingredients.
Allergy Considerations: This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten, which can be allergens for some people. If serving to a group, consider making a dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free version if needed. There are many alternatives available, such as dairy-free butter, flax eggs, and gluten-free flour blends, that can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Cookies are a sweet, tender treat that brings a festive touch to any holiday celebration. With their almond-flavored glaze and colorful sprinkles, they are sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. By following this detailed guide, you’ll create a batch of cookies that not only taste incredible but also look beautiful and impressive on any dessert table.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a gift, or just to enjoy at home, these Italian Christmas Cookies are sure to bring joy and holiday cheer. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with your family and friends. Happy baking!