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Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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5 from 78 reviews

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining the nutty flavor of almond flour with a tender buttery dough. Featuring a blend of chopped nuts and optional mini chocolate chips, these cookies are lightly baked to a golden finish and traditionally dusted with powdered sugar or adorned with colorful icing for a festive touch. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season, they offer a charming balance of crunch and sweet flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 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)

For the Decoration:

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

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to prepare for combining with the wet ingredients.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
  3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts until they are fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Then fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips if using.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Shape Cookies: Once chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into balls or shape into crescents. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate the Cookies: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a traditional look.
  10. Prepare Icing (Optional): For an additional decorative touch, mix powdered sugar with milk or water to form a thick icing. Divide the icing into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired.
  11. Drizzle Icing: Use a piping bag or a fork to drizzle the colorful icing over the cookies, enhancing their festive appeal.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chopped nuts with your favorite variety such as almonds or hazelnuts.
  • If you prefer nut-free cookies, omit the almond flour and nuts and increase all-purpose flour accordingly.
  • The mini chocolate chips are optional but add a sweet contrast to the nutty flavor.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and milk with a plant milk.
  • Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to one week.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain cookie shape and improves texture.

Keywords: Italian Christmas Cookies, holiday cookies, almond cookies, nutty cookies, festive treats, baked cookies, powdered sugar cookies, Christmas baking

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/italian-christmas-cookies-recipe/