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Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

These traditional Italian Christmas Cookies combine a tender, buttery dough with the delightful crunch of chopped nuts and the optional sweetness of mini chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden edge and dusted with powdered sugar or decorated with colorful icing, they make a festive and delicious treat to celebrate the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 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)

For the Decoration:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing)
  • Food coloring (optional for icing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Mix the dry ingredients including all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips if using.
  2. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
  3. Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoons of chilled dough and roll into balls or form into crescents. Place on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches spacing between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Decorate the Cookies: Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar generously. For an optional decorative touch, prepare icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk or water until thick. Tint icing with food coloring if desired and drizzle over the cookies using a piping bag or fork for a festive finish.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for easy shaping and to prevent spreading during baking.
  • You can substitute the nuts with your favorite variety or omit for nut-free cookies.
  • Mini chocolate chips add a sweet contrast but are optional depending on your preference.
  • Use milk or water for icing based on dietary needs; milk will add richness, water makes it lighter.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Italian Christmas cookies, almond flour cookies, festive holiday cookies, easy Christmas desserts, nut cookies, almond extract cookies

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/italian-christmas-cookies-recipe/