Italian Christmas Cookies

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An assortment of festive Italian Christmas cookies on a decorative plate.

There’s something truly special about baking Italian Christmas Cookies during the holiday season. These delightful treats not only fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma but also bring joy to family and friends who gather to celebrate. With a combination of familiar flavors like butter, vanilla, and almond, these cookies capture the essence of Italian festivities. Enjoy the simple act of crafting these cookies from scratch, bringing a slice of Italian tradition to your holiday celebrations.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 90
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 30mg

Why Make This Italian Christmas Cookies

The charm of Italian Christmas Cookies lies in their versatility and simplicity. They make a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter and can be easily customized with colorful decorations. Sharing these cookies with loved ones not only creates sweet memories but also honors the Italian tradition of festive baking. With their buttery texture and subtle almond flavor, every bite offers a delightful taste of Christmas cheer, making them a must-bake every holiday season.

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden color.

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cookies rise nicely.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. These ingredients add depth of flavor, giving your cookies that classic Italian essence.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise properly.

Step 5: Forming the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until thoroughly combined. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. If it’s too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough space between the cookies as they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Decorating

Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with colored sugar or decorate with icing if desired. This adds a festive touch and makes them visually appealing.

Step 8: Baking

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

Step 9: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from becoming too soft.

How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies

Serve these Italian Christmas Cookies as a delightful treat alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as festive gifts wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon. Add them to a dessert platter with other holiday favorites for a colorful and inviting display.

How to Store Italian Christmas Cookies

To store your Italian Christmas Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to one week. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing them; they can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just ensure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies

  • Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
  • Experiment with various extracts like lemon or orange for a citrus twist.
  • Add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for additional flavor and texture.
  • Make sure to preheat the oven for even baking.
  • Allow cooling completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Delicious Variations

  • Nutty Delight: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a rich twist.
  • Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing flavor.
  • Spritz Cookies: Use a cookie press to create fun shapes for a variation on the traditional round cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor.

  • How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder is gluten-free as well.

  • What if I don’t have almond extract?
    You can replace almond extract with more vanilla extract or even use hazelnut extract for a unique flavor.

  • Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Bake and store them in an airtight container for up to one week. You can also freeze the dough and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

  • What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
    You can use colored sugar, icing, or even melted chocolate for decoration. Be creative and let your imagination guide you!

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a heartwarming way to celebrate the holidays. With their simple ingredients and charming appearance, they are sure to bring smiles to your gatherings. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and bring the spirit of Italy to your kitchen this festive season. Happy baking!

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