Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a traditional festive treat bursting with warm flavors from almond and orange zest, enhanced by optional candied cherries and sprinkles for a joyful holiday appearance. Soft yet slightly crisp, these cookies bring sweetness and a delightful texture perfect for sharing during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Additions
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries or dried fruit (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. If the dough feels too dry, add the ¼ cup of milk to moisten.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped candied cherries or dried fruit along with sprinkles, if using, for added texture and color.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters to form festive shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheets with some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until they are golden around the edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before decorating to prevent melting of icing.
- Decorate and Store: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing and additional sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Optional ingredients like candied cherries or dried fruit add a festive touch but can be omitted or substituted with nuts if desired.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough after combining wet and dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before decorating to avoid melting the icing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to one week.
