Italian Holiday Cookies: A Festive Delight for Your Cookie Platter
Introduction
The holiday season is a perfect time to embrace the warmth and joy of Italian Holiday Cookies. With their tender texture and sweet almond glaze, these cookies bring an authentic taste of Italy to your celebrations. Subscribe to receive this delightful recipe by email and enjoy these flavor-packed treats with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Italian Holiday Cookies are bursting with flavor, thanks to a hint of almond extract that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze. They are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a stress-free addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them a family-friendly option that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 4 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Colored sprinkles
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Wire racks
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Scoop or tablespoon
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
To personalize these cookies, you can substitute vanilla extract for almond extract if you prefer a different flavor profile. For an extra festive touch, consider adding lemon or orange zest to the glaze. You could also incorporate chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the dough for added texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—a sign it’s ready for the next step.
3. Add eggs one at a time, blending each in thoroughly, then stir in that aromatic almond extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this gradually to the butter mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
5. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and gently golden underneath. Cool them on a wire rack.
7. For the glaze, blend confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the tops of cooled cookies in the glaze, embellishing with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
8. Allow the cookies to dry completely before serving or storing them for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are versatile and can be served with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also make a lovely gift when arranged on a festive plate or wrapped in a decorative box.
Pro Tips for Success
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for optimum creaming results, which leads to a better cookie texture. When glazing the cookies, dip them quickly to avoid overly saturating with glaze.
Storing and Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to enjoy them warm, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back their fresh-baked aroma.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I freeze Italian Holiday Cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze well. Place them in an airtight container after they’ve cooled and glaze has set, and freeze for up to three months.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Certainly! The dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
Conclusion
These Italian Holiday Cookies are a festive and straightforward way to add a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday celebrations. We’d love for you to share your kitchen creations and tag them on social media for others to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 cookie): Calories: 105, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Sugar: 8g
