Description
Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies flavored with vanilla and almond or anise, dipped in a sweet glaze, and topped with festive sprinkles. A traditional favorite, they’re perfect for holiday cookie trays and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract or anise extract (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp almond or anise extract (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in milk, vanilla, and almond or anise extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Using a heaping teaspoon or small cookie scoop, roll dough into small balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden and tops are set. Do not overbake.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth to make the glaze.
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, then top with holiday sprinkles. Let sit until glaze is firm.
Notes
Do not overbake; cookies should be soft and cake-like.Tint glaze with food coloring for a festive look.Use citrus extracts or zest for a different flavor twist.Glazed cookies should dry completely before stacking or storing.Freeze cookies in layers with parchment between for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
