There is nothing quite like the joy of baking cherished family recipes during the holiday season, and this Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe brings that warmth straight to your kitchen. These cookies combine zesty orange, a hint of almond, and festive pops of candied cherries or dried fruit to create a bite bursting with holiday spirit. Soft but with a slight golden crunch, they are an irresistible treat that invites sharing, storytelling, and creating new traditions with everyone gathered around. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or discovering Italian holiday flavors for the first time, this recipe delivers comfort and celebration in every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to bring balance, flavor, and festive color to the final outcome. These ingredients work together harmoniously, from the creamy butter that ensures a tender crumb to the bright orange zest that adds a joyful zing.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and softness to the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to become light without losing their chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the individual flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich creaminess and contributes to the tender crumb.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with slight caramelization during baking.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle hint of molasses depth for complexity.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The warm, inviting aroma that defines many classic holiday desserts.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a distinctive nutty note synonymous with Italian treats.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that elevates the festive feel.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a gentle lift and perfect texture.
- ¼ cup milk: Moisturizes the dough just right so it’s easy to shape.
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries or dried fruit (optional): Classic festive colors and chewy bursts of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (for decoration): Adds visual cheer and textural contrast to the cookies.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking, keeping your festive kitchen cleanup quick and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer, blend the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creaming process is what gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, so take your time here. The combination of sugars also balances sugary sweetness with a rich depth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Mix in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. These ingredients infuse the dough with essential aromas and flavors, evoking that classic Italian Christmas cookie aroma that signals warmth and celebration.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting blends these leavening agents evenly through the flour and prevents lumps, contributing to the perfect texture of your cookies.
Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Elements
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until they come together. If your dough feels too dry or crumbly, add the milk gradually to achieve a pliable dough that’s easy to shape but not sticky—this balance is key for successful cookie shaping.
Step 6: Fold in Festive Additions
Gently fold in chopped candied cherries or dried fruit along with the sprinkles if you’re using them. These additions bring joyful color and bursts of flavor that make these cookies truly festive and fun. Don’t overmix here; just enough to evenly distribute.
Step 7: Shape Your Cookies
Form the dough into small balls or roll it out and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Placing the shapes neatly on your baking sheet ensures even baking and stunning presentation once finished. This step is perfect for involving family or friends to add a creative touch!
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until you notice golden edges forming. This subtle golden color means they are perfectly baked—soft inside with a delicate edge crunch. Keep an eye on them because ovens can vary.
Step 9: Cool Before Decorating
Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding any icing or extra decorations like more sprinkles. Cooling prevents melting and keeps your decorations crisp and beautiful, making the process more enjoyable and the results more professional-looking.
Step 10: Store or Serve
Once decorated, these delightful Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe are ready to impress your guests or be stored properly for later indulgence. Keep them fresh by placing in an airtight container, ensuring that the festive flavors stay vibrant.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like additional sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the look and texture of your cookies. Even a drizzle of white or dark chocolate can add an elegant touch that complements the orange and almond flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of espresso, spiced chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate. Serving alongside a bowl of mixed nuts or fresh fruit allows the cookies’ sweetness to shine while balancing the festive spread at your gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Italian Christmas Cookies on a festive platter layered with pine sprigs or dusted with edible glitter to make your presentation sparkle. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a red ribbon creates charming homemade gifts perfect for neighbors, friends, or co-workers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and soft. Layering parchment paper between each layer prevents sticking, preserving their beautiful decoration and texture.
Freezing
To freeze, place cookies on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents clumping and allows you to enjoy these festive treats months later with minimal loss in flavor or texture.
Reheating
If you want to refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes, or microwave briefly in 10-second intervals. This process revives their tenderness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free milk alternative. The flavors will still shine through beautifully, keeping the festive spirit alive.
What if I don’t have candied cherries?
Feel free to replace candied cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots. They add similar sweetness and texture with a personalized touch.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. You can extend freshness by freezing and thawing as needed.
Can I use this recipe with cookie cutters?
Yes, the dough can be rolled out slightly and cut into shapes. Just be sure your dough is not too sticky; chilling for 30 minutes before rolling can help achieve cleaner shapes.
Is it okay to decorate these cookies with icing?
Definitely! Simple royal icing or a glaze works wonderfully to add color and extra flavor. Just wait for cookies to cool completely before decorating to ensure your icing sets perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe truly captures the spirit of the holiday season in a way that invites warmth, joy, and celebration. Baking these cookies and sharing them is about more than just sweets—it’s about creating memories that last. So, grab your apron and your favorite festive tunes, because these cookies are ready to become a new holiday tradition you’ll cherish year after year!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Tradition Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and flavorful holiday treat, combining the sweetness of candied cherries and dried fruit with aromatic hints of orange zest and almond extract. Soft, buttery, and lightly spiced, these cookies are perfect for gift-giving or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup milk
Add-ins and Decoration
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries or dried fruit (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest for aromatic flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If the dough feels too dry, add the ¼ cup of milk slowly to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add Candied Fruit and Sprinkles: Gently fold in the chopped candied cherries or dried fruit along with sprinkles if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters to form festive shapes. Arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Decorate and Store: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with additional icing and sprinkles as desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the candied cherries with other dried fruit like cranberries or raisins according to your preference.
- If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or add a little more vanilla extract instead.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix suitable for cookies.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to one week in an airtight container.
