Name: Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk (any fat percentage); ½ teaspoon almond extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons nonpareils (red and green sprinkles)

Description

These delightful Italian Christmas Cookies, also known as Anginetti, are soft, cake-like treats infused with almond flavor. Topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, they add a touch of holiday cheer to any dessert table

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons almond extract

For the Glaze and Topping:

1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk (any fat percentage)
½ teaspoon almond extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons nonpareils (red and green sprinkles)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the almond extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and kosher salt until smooth.
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze and then sprinkle with nonpareils. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the almond extract with vanilla or anise extract.

Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian