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Irresistible Italian Christmas Cookies: A Wonderful Ultimate Family Tradition


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 0 hours

Ingredients

– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon anise seeds (optional)
– 4 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
– 3-4 tablespoons milk (for icing)
– Food coloring (various colors, for decorating)
– Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)


Instructions

Making Irresistible Italian Christmas Cookies is straightforward when following these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The dough should be soft yet manageable.
5. Add Zest and Anise: Fold in the lemon zest and anise seeds for an added depth of flavor.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough ball to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
9. Bake: Place the cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the Icing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you reach a desired consistency. Add food coloring for a festive touch.
12. Decorate: Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the cookies and add sprinkles as desired.

Following these steps will result in a delightful batch of Irresistible Italian Christmas Cookies filled with love and tradition.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24 cookies (approximately)
  • Calories: 120 kcal (per cookie)
  • Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 1g