Italian Christmas Cookies
These tender, buttery Italian Christmas Cookies are adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a festive treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colorful sprinkles (for decoration) Use generously on top of each cookie before baking.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Transfer the cutouts to prepared baking sheets.
Decorate
- Sprinkle colorful sprinkles generously on top of each cookie, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy
- Serve these cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container for enjoyment throughout the holiday season.
Notes
Tip: If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If too sticky, sprinkle more flour during rolling.