Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

Christmas is a time filled with love, warmth, and delicious treats, and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies. These cookies not only taste great, but they also bring families together in the kitchen. Whether you are looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, a way to fill your home with delightful aromas, or a sweet offering for a holiday gathering, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.

The vibrant colors and festive decorations of these cookies make them a hit with both kids and adults. They are wonderfully versatile, allowing you to get creative with different shapes, colors, and toppings. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts offers a delightful flavor that is both rich and memorable. With so many reasons to make these cookies, you’ll find that they quickly become a favorite holiday tradition in your household.

How to Make Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies

Making these Italian Christmas Cookies is a delightful experience. The process is simple, and the results are beautiful and tasty. Here’s how to create these festive treats in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk (or water)
1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
Food coloring
Sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients to mix them evenly. This step helps to ensure that your cookies rise perfectly during baking.
Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it adds air into the dough and helps your cookies to be soft and chewy.
Add eggs and extracts: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These extracts give the cookies their wonderful flavors that will fill your kitchen with festive aromas.
Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture (the flour mixture) to the wet mixture (the butter and sugar mixture) until everything is well combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Roll out the dough: Dust your work surface with a bit of flour and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. This is where the fun begins as you can choose festive shapes like stars, bells, or Christmas trees!
Bake the cookies: Place the cut cookies onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each cookie. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
Cool the cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Cooling is important before decorating, as the frosting will melt if the cookies are warm.
Prepare the frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. The consistency should be thick but spreadable; adjust with more milk if necessary.
Decorate the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, decorate them with the frosting. You can add food coloring to make different shades. Use the frosting to create swirls, lines, or any design you like, and finish off with colorful sprinkles. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

How to Serve Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies

These delightful cookies can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas:

On a platter: Arrange the decorated cookies neatly on a festive plate. This makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table and allows guests to help themselves.
In gift bags: Package some cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons as sweet gifts for friends and family. This personal touch shows you care and share in the spirit of giving.
With coffee or tea: Serve these cookies with warm drinks during holiday gatherings. The sweetness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with the warmth of coffee or tea, making for a cozy experience.
At parties: Bring them to holiday parties or gatherings. Their charming appearance will attract attention, and everyone will enjoy digging into these sweet treats.

How to Store Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies

To keep your Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Here are some tips for storing your cookies:

Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week this way. If you’re stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies. However, keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They can last for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cookies for a longer time, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a container. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies

Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing and texture. This helps in creaming the butter and sugar smoothly.
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Chill the dough: If the dough feels too sticky or soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play with the flavor extracts. You can try lemon zest or even seasonal spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a different twist.
Make it a family activity: Involve family members, especially children, in decorating the cookies. This makes the baking experience enjoyable and memorable.

Variation

While the classic Italian Christmas Cookies are fantastic as they are, you can always add a twist to them. A few variations you might consider include:

Chocolate cookies: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to make chocolate-flavored cookies. This offers a delicious alternative that chocolate lovers will adore.
Nutty additions: Chop up some nuts like walnuts or almonds and add them into the dough for extra crunch and flavor. Just be cautious with nut allergies if you’re sharing with others.
Different toppings: Instead of sprinkles, try using crushed candy canes for a minty flavor or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for added decadence.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
What if I don’t have food coloring?
If you don’t have food coloring, you can leave the frosting white or use natural food colorings made from pureed fruits or vegetable powders.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, using real butter will provide the best flavor and texture for your cookies. If you choose margarine, ensure it is a stick form, as tub margarine has more water.

In summary, Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a beautiful and delicious cookie that everyone will love. The joy of baking and decorating these cookies adds to the magic of Christmas, making it even more special. So gather your loved ones and start your sweet holiday tradition today!

Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies

Print Recipe

These festive Italian cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring delightful vanilla and almond flavors.

Author: hbibamine1980
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (or water)
1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
Food coloring
Sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until combined.
Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before decorating.
Prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once cooled, decorate with frosting, food coloring, and sprinkles. Allow to set before serving.