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Looking for amazing homemade Italian Christmas cookies? My family's been making these easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe for generations! These sweet little cookies have the perfect hint of anise and a beautiful glaze that makes them look straight from an Italian bakery. With my easy Italian cookies recipe, you'll be baking like a pro in no time.
What Makes These Special
These homemade Italian Christmas cookies are super versatile - roll them into balls, twist them into knots, whatever you fancy! My easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe is perfect whether you're planning holiday gifts or just craving something sweet. The dough for these Italian cookies is so forgiving, even beginners get great results.
What You'll Need
- Butter: Makes our homemade Italian Christmas cookies rich and tender.
- Sugar: Both regular and powdered for the perfect sweetness.
- Eggs: Key to these easy Italian cookies.
- Baking Powder: For that fluffy texture.
- Flour: The backbone of our Italian Christmas cookies recipe.
- Salt: Just a pinch!
- Vanilla: Pure extract works best.
- Anise: The secret to authentic Italian cookies.
- Extra Sugar: For that pretty glaze.
Let's Start Baking
- Mix Your Dough
- For perfect homemade Italian Christmas cookies, start by creaming your butter and sugar until fluffy. My grandma's easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe says don't rush this step - it's key for soft cookies!
- Shape With Love
- Here's where making Italian cookies gets fun! Roll them into balls, twist them into knots - my kids love helping with this part. Just dust your hands with sugar so the easy Italian Christmas cookies dough doesn't stick.
- Into The Oven
- Pop your homemade Italian Christmas cookies into a 350°F oven. Watch for those edges to turn just slightly golden - about 10-12 minutes does it.
- The Final Touch
- Once your Italian cookies are cool, dip them in that sweet glaze and shower them with sprinkles. This makes our easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe look extra festive!
Grandma's Secret Tips
Want perfect homemade Italian Christmas cookies every time? Keep your dough cool while working. My easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe works best when you let each batch cool completely before glazing. And those sprinkles? Add them quick before the glaze sets on your Italian cookies!
Keep Them Fresh
These homemade Italian Christmas cookies stay fresh in a tin for about a week. Making ahead? My easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe freezes beautifully - just wait to glaze them until you're ready to serve. I often make double batches of Italian cookies and freeze half for surprise visitors.
Holiday Magic
My homemade Italian Christmas cookies are always the first to disappear from holiday cookie trays. This easy Italian Christmas cookies recipe has become our family tradition - everyone expects these Italian cookies at Christmas now. They're perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and preventing cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- → Can I skip the anise extract?
While anise is traditional, you can replace it with almond extract or extra vanilla if you prefer. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
- → How do I store these cookies?
Once the glaze is completely dry, store in an airtight container. They'll keep at room temperature for about a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it soften slightly before rolling into balls.
- → Why dip the glass in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar prevents the glass from sticking to the dough when flattening the cookies. It also adds a nice touch of sweetness.