Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, flavorful treats perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With a delicate almond glaze and festive sprinkles, these cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta (drained for about an hour)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
• Christmas sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add eggs, ricotta, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Scoop teaspoons of dough and roll into uniform balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Step 6: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Step 8: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles. Allow the glaze to dry before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Drain the ricotta well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect cookie texture.
• Substitute almond extract with lemon extract for a citrusy twist.
• Use colored sprinkles or crushed nuts instead of traditional Christmas sprinkles for different occasions.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The almond glaze may soften over time but will still be delicious. If desired, warm cookies slightly before serving to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, part-skim ricotta can be used, but whole milk ricotta provides a richer texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the glaze from melting off the cookies?

Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before dipping in glaze, and allow the glaze to set at room temperature before stacking or storing.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and delightfully textured with ricotta cheese, making them an irresistible holiday treat. Topped with a smooth almond glaze and festive sprinkles, these cookies blend traditional Italian flavors with a cheerful holiday presentation, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta, drained for about an hour
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Almond Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–4 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Christmas sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Beat Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the bowl along with 1 cup of well-drained whole milk ricotta. Mix everything until fully incorporated to create a smooth batter.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ricotta mixture, stirring slowly until all the flour is fully incorporated into a soft dough.
6. Shape Cookies: Scoop teaspoons of dough and roll them into uniform balls with your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the cookies are set and slightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare Almond Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 4 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon almond extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable, adjusting the milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
9. Glaze and Decorate Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the almond glaze, then immediately sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch. Set the cookies aside until the glaze has dried before serving.

Notes

• Drain the ricotta for about an hour before use to remove excess moisture and achieve better cookie texture.
• Adjust the milk in the glaze for desired thickness—use less milk for a thicker glaze or more for a thinner one.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• For a nut-free version, omit the almond extract and use vanilla extract instead in both dough and glaze.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian Christmas cookies, ricotta cookies, almond glaze cookies, holiday cookies, festive baking, soft cookies