Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive Holiday Tradition!

1. Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest (if using), mixing until smooth.
4. Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

2. Shape the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes—stars, bells, wreaths, or traditional Italian shapes like “crescents.” You can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers.
4. Bake the cookies: Arrange the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

3. Make the Glaze:

1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. If you’d like colored icing, divide the glaze into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each.
2. Glaze the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, dip each one into the glaze or use a spoon to drizzle it over the cookies. You can also pipe the glaze for more intricate designs.

4. Decorate the Cookies:

1. Add sprinkles: While the glaze is still wet, decorate the cookies with colored sprinkles or nonpareils. You can also use silver dragees or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
2. Let the glaze set: Allow the cookies to sit for about 1-2 hours so the glaze hardens.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Display: Arrange your beautifully decorated Italian Christmas cookies on a festive platter. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, as gifts, or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa!
2. Store: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Tips:

• Variations: You can change up the flavors of the cookies by adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of anise extract for an authentic Italian twist.
• Add nuts: Some versions of Italian Christmas cookies feature ground almonds or hazelnuts mixed into the dough, which adds texture and flavor.
• Fun shapes: Get creative with your cookie cutters! You can make traditional Christmas shapes or even use holiday-themed cutters like Santa or snowflakes.

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delicious, colorful addition to your holiday festivities. They bring together the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and cheer, making them a fun tradition to share with family and friends. Would you like to explore other Italian holiday desserts? 😊

video instructions available below
Instructions