The holidays are a time for warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious treats! One of the most delightful traditions during this festive season is baking Italian Christmas cookies. These cookies are not only a staple in Italian households but also a delight for anyone who tastes them. With a soft texture and sweet glaze, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends or leaving out for Santa.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe for Italian Christmas cookies is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can create these scrumptious cookies in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
This Italian Christmas cookie recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender and sweet. The combination of eggs and vegetable oil provides moisture, while the flour and baking powder create a light, fluffy texture. Additionally, the flavored extracts—almond, vanilla, or anise—infuse the cookies with a delightful aroma and taste that is synonymous with holiday baking. The powdered sugar glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, making them irresistible.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these delightful Italian Christmas cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla extract, or ½ teaspoon anise extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1 pinch salt (for glaze)
- 3-4 tablespoons cream or milk, warmed
- Christmas sprinkles for decoration
Essential Tools for Success
Before you start baking, ensure you have the following tools ready:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – precision is key in baking.
- Baking sheet – to hold your cookies while they bake.
- Parchment paper – for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Whisk – for blending wet ingredients smoothly.
- Cooling rack – to cool the cookies after baking.
How to Prepare Italian Christmas Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your Italian Christmas cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add in the almond extract, vanilla extract, or anise extract of your choice and mix well.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will help to aerate the flour and ensure even distribution of the baking powder.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of your chosen extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the warmed cream or milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 8: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
Fit It to Your Goals
If you’re looking to customize your Italian Christmas cookies, consider the following options:
- Swap extracts: Use different extracts like lemon or orange for a citrus twist.
- Mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan option: Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture or applesauce and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
Method to the Madness
Baking Italian Christmas cookies is not just about following a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and traditions. The process itself can be a wonderful way to connect with family and friends. As you mix and shape the dough, consider playing some festive music, inviting loved ones to join in, or even sharing stories about your holiday traditions.
Baking is as much about the experience as it is about the end result, so take your time and enjoy each step. And don’t forget to save a few cookies for yourself to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup With Garlic Bread Croutons!
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Italian Christmas cookies fresh and delicious, consider these storage tips:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Reader Questions
Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours. Just keep in mind that using a different flour may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. A gluten-free blend can work well!
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more workable consistency.
How can I make my cookies more festive?
You can decorate your cookies with colored icing, edible glitter, or festive sprinkles. Consider using cookie cutters to create fun shapes as well!
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
More from the Kitchen
If you’re looking to expand your festive baking repertoire, check out these tasty recipes:
- Creamy Parmesan Tomato Tortellini With Spinach
- Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup With Garlic Bread Croutons
Let’s Eat
Now that you have your Italian Christmas cookies all baked, glazed, and decorated, it’s time to share them with your loved ones. Whether you serve them during a holiday gathering, give them as gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking and buone feste!
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Italian Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the extract of your choice and mix well.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, chosen extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add warmed cream or milk until smooth.
- Once cookies are cool, drizzle glaze over each cookie and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies for longer storage, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
- Make a vegan version by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
