There’s something truly magical about Italian cookies during Christmas time! Every year, my family gathers in the kitchen, and the aroma of vanilla and buttery goodness fills the air as we whip up these delightful treats. I remember as a child, sitting on a stool, eagerly waiting for my grandmother to let me sprinkle powdered sugar on top. These little cookies are not just any sweets; they carry the warmth of family traditions and the joy of the holiday season. With their delicate texture and a hint of sweetness, each bite transports me back to festive gatherings filled with laughter and love. Trust me, once you make these Italian cookies, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations too!
Ingredients List
For these delightful Italian cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure your butter is nice and softened—it’ll help everything mix together beautifully. Trust me, the vanilla is key for that warm holiday flavor!
How to Prepare Italian Cookies Traditional Christmas
Alright, let’s get baking these delicious Italian cookies! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so the cookies bake evenly! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. It should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk if you’re feeling energetic!
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition so everything’s combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure no clumps of baking powder sneak into your cookies.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies light and tender! Once the dough is ready, shape it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between each cookie.
Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different! Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Finally, don’t forget to dust those beauties with powdered sugar before serving. They’ll look so festive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that come together effortlessly
- Light, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
- Delicious vanilla flavor that embodies the holiday spirit
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends
- Festively dusted with powdered sugar for a cheerful presentation
- Ideal for cookie platters or holiday gatherings
Trust me, you’ll be making these every Christmas!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Italian cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this makes it easier to shape those little balls! When baking, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Lastly, dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that stunning holiday look. Enjoy the process—you’ve got this!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these Italian cookies! Try adding a touch of almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile that still feels festive. You can also mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. For a colorful twist, decorate them with festive sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate on top. These little tweaks can turn your traditional cookies into something uniquely yours, perfect for sharing or just enjoying at home!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Italian cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature. No need to reheat—enjoy them as they are for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Nutritional Information
These delightful Italian cookies are about 120 calories each, making them a sweet treat without the guilt! Each cookie contains approximately 5g of fat, 2g of protein, and 17g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so enjoy them as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with margarine? Absolutely! Margarine will work in a pinch, but I find that unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture for these Italian cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking? Look for a light golden color on the bottom. They might seem soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it soften a bit before shaping into balls.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or freeze them for longer storage!
Can I use other flavors instead of vanilla? Definitely! Almond extract is a lovely alternative that adds a delightful twist to these traditional Christmas cookies.
Print
Italian Cookies Traditional Christmas: 7 Sweet Moments Await
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Italian cookies for Christmas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be decorated with sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: italian cookies traditional christmas
