Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies

There’s something utterly enchanting about Italian Christmas cookies that evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through your home, mingling with the sounds of laughter during the festive season. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a heartfelt tradition that brings families together, making memories that last a lifetime. Fast, simple, and undeniably kid-friendly, this Italian Christmas cookies recipe will become a beloved staple at your holiday gatherings, serving not only as a sweet indulgence but also as a sweet reminder of times spent with loved ones.

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Treat?

Does the thought of a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie drizzled with sweet icing and colorful sprinkles make your heart skip a beat? Are you ready to embrace the spirit of the holidays with a treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious? Picture yourself indulging in these Italian Christmas cookies, perhaps with a hot cup of cocoa or a festive glass of eggnog. Is there anything more delightful than sharing these delectable cookies with family and friends on a chilly winter day?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: Whip up these cookies in no time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
2. Kids Love Them: The colorful sprinkles and sweet, creamy icing make them irresistibly appealing to children.
3. Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
4. Customizable: Add your favorite flavors or toppings for a personal twist.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Italian Christmas cookies that are sure to bring festive cheer to your table:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: A must-have for that perfect cookie texture.
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder: To provide a light and airy bite.
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened: Adds richness to the dough.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For that quintessential sweetness.
• 8 oz. ricotta: This is the secret ingredient that keeps the cookies soft and moist.
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to flavor.
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract (optional): Adds a delightful hint of nuttiness.
• 1 egg: Binds everything together for a perfectly cohesive dough.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For an indulgent icing that glistens.
• 2 Tbsp. whole milk: To smooth out the icing to a drizzling consistency.
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract (optional for icing): For an extra layer of flavor.
• Sprinkles: Because what’s a festive cookie without a little sparkle?

Timing

When it comes to preparing these mouthwatering Italian Christmas cookies, you can choose between a fast and indulgent session that fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle or take your time with a slow and luxurious baking experience, savoring each moment. The entire preparation, baking, and cooling process takes just around 30 minutes, allowing you to create a stunning batch of cookies that will certainly impress your guests without taking you away from the holiday festivities.

Step-by-Step

Make the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Adjust the oven rack to the center position for even baking.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote easy clean-up.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside, letting its comforting aroma fill the air.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—a dreamy transition that takes about 3-5 minutes.
5. Next, add the ricotta, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and the egg into the bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and unified, creating a wet, responsive batter that sings of holiday cheer.
6. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be quite soft but should hold its shape.
7. Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into approximately 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls and drop them onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the cookies for approximately 15 minutes; the tops will remain pale while the bottoms turn a perfect golden brown—test this by gently lifting one with a spatula.
9. Let the cookies cool on the wire rack set atop a piece of parchment paper, allowing the aromas to permeate your kitchen while you whip up the icing.

Make the Icing

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and whole milk until smooth and glossy.
2. If you wish, add a dash of almond extract for an added depth of flavor.
3. Spoon the icing generously over the cooled cookies; watch as it cascades down the sides in a gooey, delightful display.
4. While the icing is still wet, shower the cookies with colorful sprinkles that will catch the eye and spark joy.

Nutritional Information

Indulging in a couple of these delightful Italian Christmas cookies means treating yourself to approximately 120 calories per cookie. While it’s okay to indulge during the holiday season, always remember that balance is key—these cookies can certainly make any festive spread more enjoyable!

Healthier Alternatives

Craving a lighter version? Consider these healthier swaps:

• Low-sugar options: Substitute granulated sugar with a low-calorie sweetener for a guilt-free cookie.
• Dairy-free adjustments: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based ricotta to cater to dietary preferences while still enjoying the authentic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Christmas cookies shine as a standalone treat, yet they can be elevated to new heights served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a festive cheese platter, or even a warm glass of milk. They make an excellent addition to your holiday dessert table, engaging guests with their vibrant appearance and delightful taste.

Common Mistakes

• Overbaking: To achieve the perfect texture, keep an eye on the cookies. They should remain soft, so don’t be tempted to bake until they’re dark golden brown.
• Texture issues: Ensure that your butter is truly softened, as melted butter will lead to a greasy, flat cookie.
• Messes: Have everything pre-measured and organized—this helps streamline the process, keeping your kitchen clean and efficient.

Storing Tips

These Italian Christmas cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Simply lock away the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag, and they will maintain their delightful flavor for up to three months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

Tempted to Bake?

With just one bite of these heavenly Italian Christmas cookies, you and your loved ones will be swept away into the joy and nostalgia of the holiday season. Embrace the warmth and merriment they bring to your family gatherings and bake a batch (or two) as soon as possible!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
   Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

2. How can I achieve a more crispy texture?
   Use a little less ricotta or adjust your baking time to achieve the desired crispness.

3. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
   Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or almonds could add a delightful crunch.

4. How do I prevent spread while baking?
   Make sure your dough is thoroughly chilled before baking to maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading.

5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw and bake when ready!

Indulge in the tradition and make these cherished Italian Christmas cookies a part of your holiday celebrations!

Print