Festive Treats: Italian Christmas Cookies
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like baking a batch of Italian Christmas Cookies to get into the festive spirit. These cookies, with their light, buttery base and sweet, glazed topping, are a traditional favorite that bring warmth and joy to any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa or sharing them with family and friends, these delightful treats are sure to spread Christmas cheer.
A Sweet Tradition with a Touch of Anise
These Italian Christmas Cookies embody the essence of holiday baking with their simple ingredients and festive decoration.
The optional hint of anise extract adds a traditional flavor that sets these cookies apart, giving them a distinctive taste that reminisces of classic Italian pastries. Let’s dive into the recipe and start a new holiday tradition in your home.
Italian Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the key to creating a smooth texture in your cookies.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and anise extracts, if using. The anise extract adds a subtle licorice flavor that is traditional in many Italian desserts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture to ensure the dough is evenly mixed.
- Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheets. The cookies should be spaced about an inch apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Watch them closely to prevent over-baking.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks until they are completely cool and ready for icing.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing, then immediately sprinkle them with colored sprinkles for a festive look.
- Allow the icing to set before serving. This usually takes about an hour at room temperature.
These Italian Christmas Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Enjoy the process of baking, decorating, and sharing these little bites of joy—a sweet way to create lasting holiday memories.
