Name: Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional); 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest; 2–3 tbsp milk; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze); 1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract (for glaze, optional); Colored sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)

Description

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, lightly sweetened cookies flavored with vanilla, almond, or citrus, and topped with a simple glaze and festive sprinkles. These nostalgic holiday treats are perfect for gifting, decorating with kids, or enjoying with coffee during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
1 tbsp lemon or orange zest
2–3 tbsp milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract (for glaze, optional)
Colored sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet 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. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and citrus zest.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls or shape into small knots or logs.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
Cool cookies slightly before glazing.
For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk (and extract, if using) until smooth. Dip tops of warm cookies into glaze and place on a wire rack.
Immediately top with sprinkles, if using. Let glaze set completely before storing.

Notes

For anise flavor, substitute almond extract with 1 tsp anise extract.Use red or green food coloring in the glaze for a festive look.Let cookies cool slightly before glazing to help glaze set properly.To make ahead, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.Dust with powdered sugar instead of glazing for a simpler finish.

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