Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour This forms the backbone of your dough and gives the cookies a perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor profile.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides rich flavor and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough for that classic cookie taste.
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar Contributes to a chewy texture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Infuses a lovely aroma and flavor into your cookies.
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract Adds a unique and delightful depth to the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest Provides a fresh, fragrant citrus flavor that brightens up each bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Works alongside baking soda to ensure the cookies rise nicely.
- 0.25 cup milk Adjusts the dough consistency; use if it seems too dry.
Mix-ins and Decoration
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries or dried fruit (optional) These add a pop of color and flavor, making the cookies festive.
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles Add a joyful touch that makes these Italian Christmas Cookies extra special!
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up later.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer. Beat for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a delightful base for your cookies.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and fresh orange zest to infuse your dough with warmth and citrusy goodness.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and helps your cookies rise beautifully.
- Combine the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough appears too dry, don’t hesitate to add the milk to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Fold in the chopped candied cherries or dried fruit gently, along with sprinkles if using. This adds fun colors and flavors that will make your cookies visually appealing and festive!
- Shape the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters to form different shapes, placing them on the lined baking sheets with some space in between for spreading.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges become golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the delightful aroma will let you know they're getting close!
- Cool the cookies on a wire rack before decorating them with icing and sprinkles. This allows them to set perfectly and prevents melting.
- Serve your gorgeous cookies or store them in an airtight container to share the joy later. They also make delightful gifts during the holiday season!
Notes
Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming. Sift dry ingredients to prevent clumps. Keep an eye on cookies while they bake; they should be golden but soft in the center.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 30mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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