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I've been making these pillowy soft Italian Christmas Cookies for years and they never fail to bring smiles. With their delicate almond notes sweet glaze and festive sprinkles they capture all the magic of holiday baking. While they're perfect for Christmas these little bites of joy are too good to save for just one season. They're my go to cookie whenever I want to make something special.
What Makes These Cookies Special
Every bite of these cookies feels like a little celebration. The texture is incredibly soft almost like tiny cakes with just the right amount of almond or vanilla flavor. That sweet glaze on top creates the perfect canvas for colorful sprinkles adding a delightful crunch. I love how versatile they are switch up the flavors and decorations and they're ready for any occasion.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level your flour for that perfect cake like softness no scooping directly from the bag.
- Baking Powder: This gives our cookies their lovely lift and light texture.
- Butter: I use salted butter softened to room temperature. If you prefer unsalted just add a tiny pinch of salt.
- Eggs: Large eggs give us that perfect tender crumb.
- Extracts: Choose your favorite almond vanilla or try anise for that authentic Italian flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates the smoothest dreamiest glaze.
- Sprinkles: Those tiny nonpareils are classic but any festive sprinkles work beautifully.
Let's Start Baking
- Mix Your Dough
- Start by whisking your baking powder into the flour set it aside. Beat that butter until it's fluffy then mix in your eggs sugar and chosen extract. Gently stir in the dry ingredients. Pop the dough in the fridge for at least an hour to chill.
- Time to Shape and Bake
- Scoop the dough into balls I use either my cookie scoop or tablespoon. Space them an inch apart on parchment lined baking sheets. Into the oven at 350°F they go for about 8 to 10 minutes until they're set and just starting to brown on the bottom.
- Create the Glaze
- While they cool mix up your glaze with powdered sugar extract and just enough milk for the right consistency. Dip each cooled cookie let the excess drip off then sprinkle quickly before the glaze sets.
My Best Baking Tips
Want to know my secrets for perfectly soft cookies? Don't overmix your dough it should be just combined. That chilling step is crucial for preventing spread. Make sure your cookies are completely cool before glazing otherwise it'll just run off. If your dough gets sticky a little cooking spray on your hands works wonders.
Mix It Up
These cookies love to dress up for different occasions. Try them with lemon extract for spring or anise for a traditional Italian touch. Switch out those sprinkles for crushed candy canes at Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. They're like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch.
Keep Them Fresh
These beauties stay soft and delicious for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. Planning ahead? Freeze them unglazed in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and add the glaze and sprinkles fresh when you're ready to serve.
Perfect Pairings
Nothing beats these cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold day. They're also lovely with coffee or tea. When I'm hosting I love arranging them on a platter with chocolate peppermint cookies and spicy gingerbread it's such a festive combination.
Bake with Your Little Ones
These cookies are perfect for little helping hands. My kids love decorating them with different sprinkles and watching the glaze set. It's become our special holiday tradition and the memories we make are sweeter than any cookie.
A Cookie That Stands the Test of Time
These Italian Christmas Cookies are so much more than just dessert. They're little bites of tradition bringing warmth and joy to every holiday gathering. Their gentle sweetness and festive appearance make them impossible to resist. In my family they've become a symbol of holiday love shared between generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different extracts for flavoring?
- Yes, you can substitute the almond extract with vanilla or anise extract based on your preference. Each will give the cookies a distinct traditional flavor.
- → Why does the dough need to be chilled?
- Chilling the dough makes it less sticky and easier to handle when rolling into balls. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- → How do I know when the cookies are done?
- The cookies should be set but not browned, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as they can become dry. They will continue to set as they cool.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, these cookies freeze well before icing. When ready to serve, thaw completely at room temperature, then glaze and add sprinkles.
- → How should I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Place wax paper between layers if stacking to protect the icing and sprinkles.