Why Make This Recipe
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Their warm, nostalgic flavors fill the air with sweet memories and joys of family gatherings. These cookies, also known as “biscotti” or “biscotti di Natale,” are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Making these cookies connects us to tradition and brings a festive spirit to any occasion.
How to Make Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Holiday sprinkles
Directions:
- Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs along with the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden.
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze.
- Dip the warm cookies into the glaze and then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing the cookies.
How to Serve Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
To serve Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, arrange them on a festive plate. They look great alongside other holiday treats. You can offer them as a sweet snack or dessert after a family meal. Pair them with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy and delightful experience.
How to Store Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Just make sure they are completely cooled and the glaze has set before freezing.
Tips to Make Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
- Make sure to soften the butter ahead of time for easier creaming.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform ball sizes.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly before glazing for better coverage.
- Experiment with different holiday sprinkles for a fun twist!
Variation
You can experiment with the flavors by adding lemon zest or using different extracts like orange or hazelnut. You can also replace the sprinkles with crushed nuts or colored sugar for a variation in texture and appearance.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Q: What if I want to make them more flavorful?
A: You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to enhance the flavor and give them a warmer holiday feel.
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and nostalgic Italian Christmas cookies, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs along with the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden.
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze.
- Dip the warm cookies into the glaze and then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian