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As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills homes across the globe, signaling the arrival of cherished traditions and festive cheer. In Italian culture, Christmas cookies hold a special place, serving as a delightful way to celebrate the season and bring families together. These sweet treats are not just desserts; they are a testament to centuries of culinary heritage, each bite infused with flavors that evoke nostalgia and joy.

Italian Christmas Cookies

Celebrate the holiday season with delightful Festive Italian Christmas Cookies! These treats are steeped in rich tradition and flavor, perfect for bringing families together. Discover the history behind these beloved cookies and learn how to make them with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and festive sprinkles. Get ready to infuse your holidays with the joy of baking and create lasting memories this Christmas! #ItalianCookies #HolidayBaking #ChristmasTraditions #BakingRecipes #FestiveTreats
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Ingredients
  

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon almond extract

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

2-3 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Colorful sprinkles or nonpareils (for decoration)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

          Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle.

              Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

                  Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

                    Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable; add more milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

                      Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or nonpareils.

                        Serve or Store: Allow the icing to set completely before serving. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

                          Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies