Name: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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); 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); 2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing); Food coloring (optional for icing)

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Introduction

Italian Christmas Cookies are a beloved holiday treat known for their tender texture and delicate flavors of almond and vanilla. These festive cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any special occasion.

The image shows a tray of star-shaped cookies with three different icing styles, arranged in rows on a silver wire rack over a white marbled surface. The first style has a glossy white icing layer covering the top of the cookie, topped with a cluster of small dark chocolate chips in the center. The second style features a rich red icing layer with detailed white snowflake patterns piped on top, creating a festive look. The third style presents a bright green icing layer with a white intricate snowflake pattern, and a vibrant yellow icing layer sprinkled with small white nonpareils, both at the front of the tray. The thick cookie base is golden and visible beneath the icing layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips if using.
Step 5: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make shaping easier.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Scoop tablespoons of chilled dough and shape into balls or crescents. Place them on the baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar.
Step 10 (Optional): Mix powdered sugar with milk or water to make a thick icing. Tint with food coloring if desired, then drizzle over the cookies using a piping bag or a fork for a festive finish.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts and add extra mini chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.
Use high-quality almond extract for the best flavor impact.
Chilling the dough longer than 30 minutes can improve dough texture and make shaping easier.
Try decorating with colorful icing or sprinkles to make the cookies extra festive.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, allow the cookies to come to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven to revive freshness.

How to Serve

The image shows star-shaped cookies with a thick base of pale golden brown cookie dough. Each cookie is topped with a smooth, glossy icing layer in colors of dark chocolate brown, white, and a deep red. The dark brown icing cookies have intricate white designs resembling snowflakes or branches, and some have small red, white, and green round sprinkles in the middle. The white icing cookies are decorated with small gold sprinkles scattered evenly. The red icing cookies are covered with tiny white round sprinkles. The cookies are arranged in rows on a white tray placed on a white marbled surface with festive blurred decorations in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the cookies will have a slightly different texture and less nutty flavor.

Are mini chocolate chips traditional in Italian Christmas Cookies?

Mini chocolate chips are an optional addition that some people enjoy, but traditional recipes often focus on nuts and sugar dusting rather than chocolate.