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Our Family's Treasured Italian Christmas Cookies
These tender, beautiful Italian Christmas Cookies have been lighting up my holiday kitchen for years. Every December my kids gather around the counter eager to help roll and decorate these buttery little bites of joy. They're perfect for anyone who loves to bake whether you're just starting out or have been baking for years. The simple elegance of these cookies makes them perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
What Makes These Cookies So Special
I love how forgiving this recipe is. You don't need fancy ingredients or equipment just basic pantry staples that come together to create something magical. The prep is so straightforward that even when I'm juggling holiday chaos I can whip up a batch quickly. These have become my go-to for cookie exchanges and hostess gifts because they look beautiful on any holiday platter.
Everything You Need
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (360g) – Provides structure and a soft texture.
- Butter: 1 cup (227g), softened – For a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) – Adds sweetness to balance the richness.
- Eggs: 2 large – Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Baking Powder: 1 ½ tsp – Helps create a light, airy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp – Adds a warm aroma (substitute with almond, lemon, or anise extract if preferred).
- Powdered Sugar: For glazing and decoration.
- Milk: 2 tbsp – To mix with powdered sugar for glaze.
- Festive Sprinkles: For decoration.
Let's Start Baking
- Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Measure out all ingredients and bring them to room temperature.
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Cream the softened butter, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Knead until firm, adding more flour if necessary.
- Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop dough and roll into a 1-inch ball or shape into spirals by rolling into 6-inch strips, twirling, and forming circles. Place on a baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, until the bottom is light brown and the top is slightly tan. The center should remain soft.
- Step 7: Glaze and Decoration
- Prepare glaze by mixing vanilla extract, milk, and powdered sugar. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and add sprinkles while it's still wet. Let the glaze set for 30-60 minutes.
- Step 8: Enjoy!
- Serve or package the cookies for a festive treat.
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My Best Baking Secrets
Through years of making these cookies I've learned some tricks. Your butter needs to be perfectly softened not melted or too firm. I always mix by hand to avoid tough cookies and the dough really needs that hour in the fridge trust me. Watch them like a hawk in the oven you want that perfect golden edge with a soft center. Let them cool completely on the rack before glazing otherwise you'll have a sweet melty mess.
Making Holiday Memories
These cookies have become more than just a recipe in our house. They're part of our Christmas tradition now. The kitchen fills with the most amazing buttery vanilla scent while they bake and seeing my family's faces light up when they take that first bite makes all the effort worthwhile. I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your holiday celebrations as they do to ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the dough need to chill?
Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps cookies maintain their shape during baking. Don't skip this step for best results.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Add glaze and sprinkles after thawing at room temperature.
- → Why must ingredients be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients, especially butter, blend more smoothly and create a better texture in the finished cookies.
- → Can I use different extracts?
Yes, almond extract makes a delicious alternative to vanilla, giving the cookies a traditional Italian flavor.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
Bottoms should be lightly browned while tops remain light, usually after 8-10 minutes of baking.