The aroma of freshly baked Easy Italian Christmas Cookies wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of nostalgia and joy. festive eggnog cake recipe With every bite, you’re transported to festive gatherings filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable taste of home. eggnog pudding delight.
Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, and your family is bustling about the kitchen—sugar is flying, laughter echoes, and everyone is vying for the last cookie before they even cool. That’s the magic of these cookies; they bring everyone together in a delightful frenzy of flavors and memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are quick to prepare, making them perfect for any holiday gathering
- Their unique blend of flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds!
- The vibrant colors make them a stunning addition to your dessert table
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or fillings
I remember one Christmas when my cousin ate an entire plateful before I could even say “Buon Natale!” It was a hilarious moment that turned into a family joke for years.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this more delicious holiday recipes recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides the structure; use unbleached for a better flavor.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise beautifully, ensuring they have that perfect fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using a mix of brown sugar for extra depth.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs will bind everything together; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, inviting aroma that screams holiday cheer.
- Almond Extract: Just a splash enhances the cookie’s flavor profile with a delightful nuttiness.
- Zest of One Lemon: Fresh lemon zest brightens the cookies and adds a refreshing zing.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; it makes the cookies look festive and extra sweet!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. cinnamon donut bread recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather all your ingredients. This ensures optimal baking conditions right from the start.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like clouds!
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla and almond extracts. The mixture should become smooth with a luscious aroma filling your kitchen.
Add Dry Mixture Gradually: Slowly incorporate your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix or risk tough cookies!
Scoop and Bake Cookies**: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Remember to savor each moment as you bake these Easy Italian Christmas Cookies—they’re not just treats but little bites of memory! creamy homemade hot cocoa.
You Must Know
- Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that will fill your home with the scent of sweet vanilla and spices
- These cookies are not just tasty; they also make for beautiful holiday gifts
- With their charming shapes and vibrant colors, they bring cheer to any festive gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients for an even texture. This ensures that your cookies rise perfectly and have that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional vanilla extract for almond or lemon zest to brighten the flavors. You can also add colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips for a fun twist on these classic cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Easy Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to freeze them, wrap each cookie individually and place them in a freezer-friendly bag.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Remember to chill your dough before baking; this helps maintain shape
- Don’t overbake; slight softness ensures a delightful texture
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your Easy Italian Christmas Cookies!
Sharing these cookies at my family’s holiday gathering always brings smiles and laughter, especially when my cousin tries to sneak a few before dinner.
FAQ
What makes Easy Italian Christmas Cookies special?
These cookies combine rich flavors with festive shapes perfect for holidays.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
For more inspiration, check out this cheesy stuffed pretzels recipe recipe.
Yes, substituting gluten-free flour works well without compromising taste.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored correctly, they stay fresh for about one week at room temperature.
Easy Italian Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Easy Italian Christmas Cookies, a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. With their sweet aroma and vibrant colors, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Quick to prepare and customizable, they’re sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg