The holidays are a magical time when kitchens come alive with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Festive Italian Holiday Cookies are a timeless tradition, combining buttery sweetness, delicate flavors, and vibrant decorations to celebrate the season. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your festivities.
Let’s dive into the world of these delightful Italian treats, from their rich heritage to a step-by-step guide for making them at home.
Why You’ll Love Festive Italian Holiday Cookies
- Bursting with Flavor: Almond and vanilla extracts provide a fragrant sweetness, while optional lemon zest adds a refreshing twist.
- Customizable Designs: Shape them into balls, crescents, or festive holiday shapes to suit your style.
- Perfect for All Ages: Soft, sweet, and colorful, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Ideal for Gifting: Pack them in decorative tins to share the holiday spirit with loved ones.
- A Timeless Tradition: Rooted in Italian culture, these cookies are a beautiful way to honor festive traditions.
Ingredients for Festive Italian Holiday Cookies
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon zest (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
For the Icing
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Milk (or water) | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Food coloring | As desired |
| Sprinkles | For decoration |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Festive Italian Holiday Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest (if using).
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the Dough
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. For variety, shape some into crescents or other holiday-themed designs.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets
- Place the shaped dough on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Cool Completely
- Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Step 4: Make the Icing
- Mix the Icing
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Color the Icing
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create a festive palette.
Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
- Dip or Drizzle
- Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the icing or use a spoon to drizzle it over.
- Add Sprinkles
- While the icing is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with holiday decorations like sprinkles, edible glitter, or nonpareils.
- Set the Icing
- Allow the icing to dry completely before storing or serving.
Perfect Occasions for Festive Italian Holiday Cookies
- Holiday Parties: These colorful cookies are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Cookie Exchanges: Their vibrant designs make them stand out in a lineup of treats.
- Gifting: Pack them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Family Fun: Baking and decorating these cookies is a joyful activity to share with loved ones.
Tips for Perfect Italian Holiday Cookies
- Use High-Quality Ingredients
- Fresh butter, eggs, and extracts ensure the best flavor.
- Chill the Dough if Needed
- If your dough is too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes.
- Customize Shapes and Colors
- Use cookie cutters for themed designs and experiment with different icing colors.
- Don’t Overbake
- Remove cookies from the oven as soon as the bottoms turn golden to keep them soft.
- Store Properly
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Creative Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Cookies
- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Cookies
- Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the dough for added texture.
- Citrus Glaze
- Replace vanilla extract in the icing with orange or lemon extract for a tangy flavor.
- Spiced Cookies
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm, festive undertones.
- Gluten-Free Option
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
FAQs About Festive Italian Holiday Cookies
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw before shaping and baking.
2. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine works, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
4. How do I prevent the icing from being too runny?
Gradually add milk or water to the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes! These cookies are sturdy enough to be shipped as holiday gifts. Just pack them carefully to avoid breakage.
6. Can I skip the almond extract?
You can omit the almond extract if desired, but it adds a classic Italian flavor that’s worth keeping.
Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
Festive Italian Holiday Cookies bring together timeless traditions and the joy of the season. From their buttery texture to their eye-catching decorations, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. They’re perfect for celebrating with family, sharing with friends, or enjoying as a sweet indulgence during the holidays.
Start Baking Today!
Gather your ingredients and bring the magic of the holidays to your kitchen with these Festive Italian Holiday Cookies. Whether you’re baking them as gifts, sharing them at a party, or simply indulging with your loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition.
Print
Festive Italian Holiday Cookies: A Sweet Treat for the Season
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with Festive Italian Holiday Cookies, a buttery, sweet treat decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. Perfect for family gatherings, cookie swaps, or as edible gifts, these cookies bring festive cheer to your dessert table. The combination of almond and vanilla extracts with an optional hint of lemon zest gives them a unique flavor that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or other festive hues)
- Sprinkles (to decorate)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest (if using).
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, pliable dough forms.
2. Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Alternatively, shape the dough into crescents or festive holiday forms using cookie cutters.
- Arrange the dough shapes on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
3. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Icing:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Divide the icing into smaller bowls and add food coloring to create your desired festive hues.
5. Decorate the Cookies:
- Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing or drizzle it over using a spoon.
- Sprinkle with holiday-themed decorations such as edible glitter or sprinkles while the icing is still wet.
- Let the icing set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just over an hour.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite icing colors and decorations.
- Perfect for Sharing: Pack beautifully for gifting or gatherings.
- Soft and Tender Texture: Lightly golden bottoms with a sweet, creamy topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian