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Italian Christmas Cookies

These tender, slightly sweet cookies capture the essence of festive flavors and are perfect for sharing during the holidays.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Base
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of these cookies, providing structure.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder For lightness and a perfect rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all the delicious flavors.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and a decadent texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness that balances the other flavors.
  • 2 large eggs The binding agent that helps create a tender bite.
  • 1 tablespoon milk For moisture and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A classic aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract Enhances the cookie’s nutty undertones.
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional) Adds a distinct, aromatic flavor for a festive twist.
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) A little extra almond goodness.
For the Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For a sweet glaze to coat the cookies.
  • 2 tablespoons milk To achieve a smooth consistency for the glaze.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to the glaze.
  • Colorful sprinkles (optional) For festive decoration.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
Mixing
  1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in milk, vanilla, almond, and anise extracts.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough is smooth.
Shaping and Baking
  1. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; cookies should be soft and puffy.
Glazing
  1. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  2. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl for the glaze until smooth.
  3. Dip tops of cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
  4. Immediately sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the glazed cookies.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding citrus zest to the dough or sprinkling chopped nuts over the glaze. You can experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.