Italian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These festive cookies are not just a sweet indulgence; they bring families together and fill homes with the aroma of baked goodness. With a buttery texture and a sweet glaze adorned with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian bakery in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 medium eggs (approximately 240 ml)
- 200 g granulated sugar (1 cup)
- 115 g unsalted butter, at room temperature (1/2 cup)
- 10 ml vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
- 440 g type 00 flour (3 1/2 cups)
- 20 g baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- 250 g powdered sugar (2 cups)
- 2.5 ml vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- 45 ml milk (3 tablespoons)
- Sprinkles, as needed
Directions
- Sift flour with baking powder in a bowl.
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape dough into 25 g balls or roll into 15 cm ropes. Place on the baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Dip cooled cookies in the glaze and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: Approximately 30 cookies
Nutrition Info: Per cookie – Calories: 90, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 14g, Protein: 1g
How to serve
Italian Christmas Cookies are best served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. Arrange them on a festive platter, perhaps alongside other holiday treats like panettone or biscotti for a beautiful display. These cookies can also be packaged in decorative boxes or bags for holiday gift-giving, making them a charming and personal present for friends and family.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour if I can’t find type 00?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for type 00. While the texture may slightly differ, it will still yield delicious cookies.
2. How should I store my Italian Christmas Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can freeze them for up to three months.
3. Can I customize the sprinkles used for decoration?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like—holiday-themed, colored sugars, or even shredded coconut for a twist.
Italian Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Sift flour with baking powder in a bowl.
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape dough into 25 g balls or roll into 15 cm ropes.
- Place on the baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Dip cooled cookies in the glaze and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
