Description
Soft, tender Italian Christmas cookies with a hint of anise or vanilla, topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for traditional flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or anise extract
- Assorted holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla or anise extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or anise extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For a more traditional flavor, use anise extract instead of vanilla.
- Let the glaze fully set before storing cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
