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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla or anise extract.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
5. Scoop and roll dough into balls, placing them on the baking sheets with space in between.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or anise extract until smooth.
8. Once cookies are cool, dip or spoon glaze on top and add sprinkles before the glaze sets. Let cookies sit until glaze is 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!