Description

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen during the holiday season. Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and joy of the festivities. These soft, pillowy cookies, often flavored with vanilla or anise, are coated in a sweet glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles. Simple yet irresistible, they’re a staple at Christmas gatherings and a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their light, cake-like texture and festive appearance make them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. Whether you’ve been baking them for years or are trying them for the first time, these cookies will bring the joy of the season to your home

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for a traditional flavor)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (to soften dough if needed)
• For the glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract)
• Colorful sprinkles for decoration

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for an easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This process is essential for creating a soft, tender cookie. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the eggs are well mixed, add the vanilla or anise extract for flavor. Anise gives the cookies a traditional Italian flavor with its subtle licorice notes, but vanilla is a great alternative if you prefer a milder taste.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too stiff, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to soften it. The dough should be soft but not sticky, and easy to roll into balls.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. The cookies will puff up slightly as they bake, so make sure there’s enough room for them to expand.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale, giving the cookies a soft, cake-like texture. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (or anise) extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle smoothly. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or spoon it over each cookie. Immediately after glazing, sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles. The glaze will set quickly, so be sure to add the sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Let the cookies sit on the wire rack until the glaze has fully set

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
If you want to add an extra festive touch to these cookies, you can color the glaze with food coloring to match your holiday theme. A few drops of red or green food coloring can turn these already beautiful cookies into a true centerpiece for your Christmas table. Another option is to try different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

For storage, these cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a perfect option for preparing ahead of time. They also freeze well—just be sure to freeze them before glazing, and then add the glaze and sprinkles after thawing for the best results.

Conclusion:
Italian Christmas Cookies are a cherished part of holiday traditions for many families, and with good reason. They’re simple to make, delicious to eat, and bring a festive spirit to any gathering. With their tender crumb, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles, they’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Whether you prefer the classic anise flavor or opt for vanilla, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them.

The best part is their versatility—you can easily customize them with different flavors, sprinkles, or even glaze colors to suit your celebration. Perfect for gift-giving, cookie swaps, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, these cookies embody the joy and sweetness of the holiday season. So, gather your ingredients and start baking these irresistible Italian Christmas Cookies, and make them a part of your family’s holiday tradition!