Description
These classic Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. Perfectly tender with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, they make a delightful holiday treat for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with classic Italian cookie flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, then slightly flatten each one using the bottom of a glass to achieve an even shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze and Decorate: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a simple glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set fully before serving to ensure the decorations stick and the glaze firms up.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
