Description
Experience the festive charm of traditional Italian Christmas cookies with this delightful recipe. These soft, tender cookies infused with almond extract are topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
For the Icing:
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 to 3 tbsp milk
- Nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the baking powder and all-purpose flour thoroughly. Set this mixture aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Cream the Butter and Add Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat the melted and cooled butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, granulated sugar, and almond extract, mixing well until fully incorporated. The mixture may appear somewhat chunky at this stage, which is normal.
- Combine and Chill the Dough: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to prevent overworking the dough. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour to firm up, making it easier to handle later.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies: After chilling, scoop or roll the dough into small balls using a tablespoon or small scoop. The dough will be sticky, so handle accordingly. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they are set but not browned. Avoid overbaking to keep the texture soft. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove lumps. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a thick glaze consistency is achieved. Stir in the almond extract to enhance the flavor and aroma.
- Glaze and Decorate the Cookies: Place a cooling rack inside a baking sheet to catch drips. Once the cookies are fully cooled, hold each upside down and dip it into the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Return the cookie right side up to the rack and allow excess glaze to drip off. Decorate with nonpareil sprinkles as desired before the glaze sets.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to make shaping easier and to improve texture.
- Baking time is short to keep cookies soft; watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Use sifted powdered sugar for a lump-free glaze.
- For added decoration, use a variety of holiday-colored nonpareil sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian Christmas cookies, almond extract cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookie recipe, glazed cookies
