Some of the most popular Italian Christmas cookies are Neapolitan Rainbow Cookie, Struffoli Honey Balls, Amaretti, and Pizzelle. But, below is an easy, old-fashioned holiday cookie recipe you will love.
One of the Italian Christmas traditions I envy, is that they celebrate the holidays from December 24 through January 6th! They have three weeks of holiday desserts!
I love any food from Italy, but this little cookie is scrumptious! You can decorate it with colored sprinkles, or for a wedding cookie idea, use pearl glitter crystals.
If you are looking for easy cookie recipes, this little Italian cookie is it! The one thing I really like about this recipe, is that this cookie is not TOO sweet.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
Glaze:
3-3/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup warm milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Before you begin adding ingredients, remove your eggs from the refrigerator to allow them to come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes). Beating your eggs at room temperature will help them whip up to a greater volume. This will help your cookies be light and airy.
Using a heavy-duty mixer, beat your eggs for about 5 minutes, until they are light and foamy, and then set them aside.
Next, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder on low speed.
Gradually beat in your butter and vanilla extract.
Mix until your flour mixture resembles find crumbs. Next, gradually add your eggs.
Roll your dough into 1/2″ balls. (These little guys will expand during baking!) Your dough will be sticky, but that is what keeps the cookies from cracking during baking.
Bake your cookies at 350 degrees, for about 10-12 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. As soon as cookies are removed from the oven, you want to place your cookies on a cooling rack.
Now, the fun part of baking: the decorating! While the cookies are still on the cooling rack, use a spoon to pour the glaze over the cookie.
Next, before the glaze hardens, apply your sprinkles.
I think these cookies would make beautiful wedding cookies! I hope you and your family enjoy these Italian Christmas cookies!