Indulge in the festive spirit with these Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies, a delightful treat that combines a cakey texture with a subtle hint of anise flavor and a sweet sugar glaze. These cookies are a holiday favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. While they were not a tradition in my household growing up, I fell in love with them after tasting them at my aunt’s house many years ago. Since then, they’ve become a cherished part of my holiday baking.
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be shaped into knots, S shapes, twists, or balls. I prefer rolling them into small balls and pressing them down slightly with a glass dipped in powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Once baked and cooled, dip them in a sweet sugar glaze and add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
The cakey texture and anise flavor make these cookies irresistible. If anise isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with almond flavoring for equally delicious results. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 4 tsp. baking powder
For the Icing:
- 2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 6 tsp. water
- Colorful sprinkles
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sift the flour and baking powder together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough and add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Pinch off small pieces of dough, roll them into logs, and shape them as desired (balls, knots, etc.). Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- For the icing, mix confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Dip each cookie into the icing, add sprinkles, and place on a wire rack to set.
- Enjoy these Italian Christmas Cookies with your loved ones!
