Italian Holiday Cookies are a classic treat that brings the warmth and tradition of Italian baking into your home. These soft, anise-flavored cookies are perfect for the holiday season, with their sweet icing and festive sprinkles. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these delightful Italian Holiday Cookies.
Ingredients for Italian Holiday Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a light, golden color.
- 4 eggs: Provides structure and moisture, giving the cookies their soft texture.
- 1 stick butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 2 tsp anise flavoring: Gives the cookies their distinctive, classic Italian flavor. You can adjust the amount to taste.
- 4 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 3 ½ cups flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and stability.
For the Icing:
- 6 tsp water: Thins the icing to the perfect consistency for drizzling or dipping.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or substitute with anise flavoring): Adds flavor to the icing, complementing the cookies. You can use anise for a stronger licorice flavor.
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing, making it perfect for glazing the cookies.
Instructions: How to Make Italian Holiday Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 stick of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Anise:
- Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the 2 tsp of anise flavoring until fully combined.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of flour and 4 tsp of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop small balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also roll the dough into small balls with your hands for a more uniform shape.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and just starting to turn golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Icing
- Mix the Icing Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar, 6 tsp of water, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract (or anise flavoring) until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle or dip.
- Ice the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of the cookies into the icing or use a spoon to drizzle the icing over the tops. Allow the excess icing to drip off before placing the cookies back on the wire rack.
- Add Sprinkles (Optional):
- Before the icing sets, you can decorate the cookies with festive sprinkles for a more traditional Italian holiday look.
Step 3: Set and Serve
- Allow the Icing to Set:
- Let the icing set completely before storing or serving the cookies. This may take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the humidity.
- Serve:
- Serve the cookies on a festive platter or package them in holiday tins for gift-giving.
Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Flavor Variations: If you’re not a fan of anise, you can substitute it with vanilla or almond extract.
- Icing Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more confectioner’s sugar.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The flavor of the anise will intensify over time.
Variations of Italian Holiday Cookies
Here are some ways to customize your Italian Holiday Cookies:
- Lemon or Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After icing the cookies, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Cookies: Mix in finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
🥘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop, making them even more delicious.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm.
4. What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
5. Can I use different extracts?
Yes, you can experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to suit your taste.
A Festive and Delicious Treat
Italian Holiday Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their soft, anise-flavored dough and sweet icing, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, to give as gifts, or just to enjoy with your family, these cookies are easy to make and always a hit.
So gather your ingredients and enjoy baking these traditional Italian Holiday Cookies that will fill your home with the warmth and aroma of the season!
