Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Cookies
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 cup flour
4 tsp.baking powder
Icing
2 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
6 tsp. water
Instructions
Cookies: in a bowl sift together the flour and baking powder, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
Mix in the vanilla. Add in the flour mixture. Knead until dough is firm and not sticky, adding more flour if necessary. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Cut off small amount of dough and roll on floured surface into 6 inch strips. Twirl into shape and place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes (the bottom should be lightly browned but the tops should remain light).
Remove cookies to wire rack and cool completely before glazing. Icing: Combine the Icing ingredients in a bowl until just smooth. You want it more thick than thin, but still runny.
Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then return to the wire rack, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides of the cookie. #italianfood #christmas #cookie
Italian Christmas cookies are a festive treat enjoyed in many Italian-American households during the holiday season. These cookies are cherished not only for their tender texture and mild sweetness but also for the cultural tradition they represent. The recipe features common pantry ingredients such as eggs, butter, sugar, and flour, making it accessible for all home bakers. The dough requires chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and ensures a tender crumb. Rolling the dough into strips and twirling them before baking creates a unique visual appeal, often appreciated when serving during holiday parties. One of the key highlights of this recipe is the icing, made from sifted confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and water. The glaze's consistency is carefully balanced to be thicker than syrup but still runny enough to coat the cookies smoothly, adding a delightful sweetness and a glossy finish. For best results, use high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of both the dough and the icing. Additionally, allowing the cookies to cool completely before glazing prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful, firm coating. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted by adding zest from lemons or oranges to the dough for a citrus twist or by sprinkling colorful holiday sprinkles on the glaze before it sets. Such personal touches bring a homemade charm and make your batch of Italian Christmas cookies uniquely yours. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa while sharing stories and creating memories, as they truly embody the spirit of Christmas and Italian culinary heritage.