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Italian Christmas cookies with red and green sprinkles

Italian Christmas Cookie

A traditional Italian holiday cookie that is sweet, flavorful, and covered with delicious icing and colorful sprinkles.

Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Author Kristen | Ella Claire & Co.

Ingredients

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (spoon method)
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 3 eggs large
  • ½ cup sugar granulated
  • ½ cup salted butter 1 stick, room temperature
  • 1½ tsp. almond extract or vanilla or anise extract

Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract
  • nonpareill sprinkles

Instructions

COOKIES

  1. Mix the baking powder and flour together in a small bowl. Set aside.

  2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy.

  3. Add eggs, sugar, and almond extract and mix until well combined. Mixture will be chunky looking.

  4. Add the flour/baking powder mixture and mix until it is just combined.

  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

  6. Use a small scoop or tablespoon to measure and roll the dough into balls. Dough will be fairly sticky.

  7. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1" apart.

  8. Bake cookies in a preheated 350° F oven for 8-10 minutes until they're set. Do not overcook or they will be dry! Allow to cool completely before icing.

ICING

  1. Measure powdered sugar into a bowl.

  2. Mix milk 1 Tablespoon at a time until a thick glaze forms. Add extract.

  3. Place cooling rack inside of a baking sheet.
  4. Hold cooled cookies upside down and dip in glaze.
  5. Turn right side up and place on cooling rack, allowing excess glaze to drip into pan.

  6. Pour sprinkles onto cookies while the icing is still wet.

Recipe Notes

Tip- store the dough in the fridge in between batches in the oven to keep it cold enough to handle.