Name: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pistachios); 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); 2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing); Food coloring (optional for icing)

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Introduction

Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, combining a tender almond-flavored dough with crunchy nuts and optional chocolate chips. These festive cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

The image shows a tray full of star-shaped cookies with three main layers: a light golden-brown cookie base, a thick layer of smooth icing on top, and detailed decorations on the icing. The cookies are lined up in rows with three main icing colors: white, red, green, and yellow. The white-iced cookies have small brown chip-like sprinkles on top, the red-iced cookies have white snowflake patterns piped in icing, the green-iced cookie has a white snowflake design covering the top, and the yellow-iced cookie is decorated with small white sugar crystals. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pistachios)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing)
Food coloring (optional for icing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips, if using.
Step 5: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls or shape them into crescents. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar.
Step 10 (optional): Mix powdered sugar with milk or water to create a thick icing. Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired. Drizzle the icing over the cookies using a piping bag or fork for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts and replace almond extract with extra vanilla extract.
Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Use different nuts like pecans or almonds depending on your preference.
If you prefer softer cookies, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
For a more festive look, decorate with colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter along with the icing.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows star-shaped cookies with two layers: a golden brown cookie base and a thick icing layer on top. The icing colors include dark brown, white, and deep red. Some cookies are decorated with small colored sugar balls sprinkled on the icing, while others have white icing drawn in delicate snowflake patterns or gold sugar dots forming simple star designs. The cookies are arranged in rows on a flat baking tray, set on a white marbled surface with blurred red and green holiday decorations in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps develop the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and optionally warm in the oven before serving.