Description
Classic Italian Christmas cookies shine as a delightful festive treat from generations of family tradition. Delicate almond-flavored rounds dusted with powdered sugar will transport you to a warm Italian kitchen during holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsps milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheating: Set oven to 350F (175C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats for optimal cookie performance.
- Dry Ingredient Harmonization: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a foundational dry mixture that will provide structure and texture to the cookies.
- Creaming Technique: Beat butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous cloud, developing a smooth and airy base that will ensure tender cookies.
- Liquid Integration: Fold eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, then introduce vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the aromatic profile of the dough.
- Dough Formation: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a cohesive, soft dough that promises delicate cookie texture.
- Shaping and Positioning: Utilize a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form small dough spheres, carefully placing them on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing to allow for expansion during baking.
- Baking Transformation: Slide the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven, allowing 10-12 minutes of heat to gently transform the dough, developing a subtle golden base while maintaining a soft interior.
- Glaze Crafting: Construct a luminous coating by whisking powdered sugar with milk and extract, adjusting the consistency to achieve a smooth, glossy finish that will elegantly dress the cooled cookies.
- Finishing Flourish: Dip each cooled cookie into the prepared glaze, letting excess drip away, then immediately embellish with a festive sprinkle shower, allowing the glaze to set into a pristine, celebratory presentation.
Notes
- Precision in Mixing: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, which creates the signature tender texture of these classic Italian Christmas cookies.
- Temperature Control: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to guarantee smooth incorporation and consistent dough quality.
- Spacing Technique: Place cookie dough balls with ample room between them on baking sheets to prevent spreading and maintain their delicate round shape.
- Glaze Mastery: Adjust milk quantity in the glaze carefully to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency – too thick will clump, too thin will run off completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 35
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg