Italian Christmas Cookies

These delightful Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for the holiday season. They’re glazed and decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them a festive treat!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for a traditional flavor)
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract)
• Colorful sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract (or anise extract).
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out the cookies.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cookies cool, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops in the glaze and immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
11. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips:

• For an authentic Italian flavor, use anise extract in the dough and glaze.
• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

FAQs About Italian Christmas Cookies

1. Can I use other shapes for the cookies?
   Yes! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like for different festive designs.
2. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
   Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin it out.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting the cookies.
4. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
5. Can I freeze the cookies?
   Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container.

Nutritional Information (per cookie):

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 1g

These Italian Christmas Cookies are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends!