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Italian Holiday Cookies

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Italian Holiday Cookies are soft, tender, and cake-like cookies glazed with sweet icing and topped with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, or edible gifts, these nostalgic cookies bring warmth and festive charm to every celebration.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 30–36 cookies
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • For the glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
  • Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Scoop dough into small balls and place on baking sheet.
  7. Bake 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
  8. While cookies cool, whisk glaze ingredients together.
  9. Dip tops of cookies in glaze, add sprinkles, and place on a wire rack to set.

Notes

  • Swap almond extract for anise extract for a classic Italian bakery flavor.
  • Add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
  • Shape dough into small knots for a traditional look.
  • Use seasonal sprinkles for different holidays.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/italian-holiday-cookies/