Why Make This Recipe
Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they capture the festive spirit of the holiday season. Their delightful glaze and colorful sprinkles make them a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a lovely combination of almond and lemon flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Baking these cookies is an enjoyable activity for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The process brings families together, creating cherished memories in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to make these charming cookies in no time.
Equipment Needed for Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need some basic equipment that is likely already in your kitchen. A stand mixer is essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly, but a hand mixer can also work well. You will need a mixing bowl for your ingredients, baking sheets for the cookies, and a cooling rack to allow them to cool properly. Additionally, measuring cups and spoons are crucial for accuracy.
A whisk will be handy for making the glaze, and a fork will help when dipping the cookies. Lastly, having some wax paper beneath the cooling rack for easy clean-up is a smart idea.
What You Need to Make Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
- 6 large eggs
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup shortening (Crisco)
- 3 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
- 2/3 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 2 teaspoons almond extract (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Christmas colored nonpareils
How to Cook Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies Step by Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly, giving them a lovely texture. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients on low speed to make sure everything is well combined.
Next, gradually add in the shortening, almond extract, and lemon extract. Continue to mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates the right base for your cookies. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs until they become light and foamy. This will add necessary moisture and richness to your cookie dough.
Slowly add the beaten eggs into the flour and shortening mixture. Expect the cookie dough to feel stiff, which is perfectly fine. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, making sure to keep them uniform in size. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
Once you have your cookies arranged, pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the tops should remain white, while the bottoms should take on a slight golden-brown color. This color difference is an important indicator of their doneness.
While the cookies bake, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining confectioners’ sugar, warmed milk, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. The glaze will be used to coat your cookies once they come out of the oven.
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, it’s time to glaze them. Work in batches of about four cookies for easier handling. Dip each cookie into the bowl of glaze using a fork. Turn them around until completely coated, ensuring they don’t become soggy. Once coated, use the fork to lift them and place them on a cooling rack.
To catch any drips, it’s helpful to have a piece of wax paper under the cooling rack. Immediately after glazing, sprinkle the colorful nonpareils on top of the cookies. This will give them a festive look. Repeat the glazing process for all your cookies.
Once the cookies are cool and the glaze is set, store them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for quite some time, making them perfect for holiday gifting or sharing with family and friends.
How to Make Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
Making these cookies is a simple process. Start by bringing together all your ingredients, so everything is ready at hand. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheets, ensuring they are ungreased. Mixing your dry ingredients first is key to even distribution of the baking powder and sugar.
By incorporating the shortening and wet ingredients slowly, you can create a cookie dough that will hold its shape well. Rolling the dough into balls and arranging them on baking sheets is a fun part of the process. Keep an eye on them as they bake and be ready with your glaze to coat them right after they come out of the oven.
These cookies are festive not just in flavor but also in appearance. Enjoy giving them a shower of sprinkles for that extra Christmas charm.
How to Serve Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies can be served in several wonderful ways. They are perfect for any holiday gathering and will surely catch everyone’s eye. Set them out on a beautiful platter with other seasonal treats to create an inviting dessert table.
You might also consider packaging them in festive boxes or bags as holiday gifts. With their charming look and delightful taste, they make a wonderful surprise for friends, family, or even coworkers. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a comforting winter treat.
What to Serve with Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
These cookies shine on their own, but they pair well with various beverages. A cup of hot tea, coffee, or even spiced cider can complement the flavors of these festive treats beautifully.
Additionally, they can accompany other holiday sweets like panettone or gingerbread. Serving them alongside seasonal fruits like clementines or pomegranates can enhance their festive experience while offering a touch of freshness.
How to Store Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
To keep your Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will ensure they maintain their texture and flavor for several days. If you have made a large batch, consider freezing them.
To do this, place the fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps with the mixing process, ensuring a smoother dough.
Using high-quality extracts can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. Make sure to roll your dough balls evenly to ensure they bake uniformly. Keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial; overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking might affect their structure.
Finally, let the cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming runny.
Variation
While this recipe is already a classic, you can experiment with flavors. Consider using different extracts like vanilla, orange, or peppermint for a unique twist. Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can also create delightful variations in texture and taste.
For a festive touch, you might use colored edible glitter instead of or in addition to nonpareils. These variations offer a fun way to personalize your Christmas cookies.
Best Time to Make Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
The best time to bake these cookies is during the holiday season. They are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just to enjoy with family at home. However, if you wish to prepare them in advance, you can bake and freeze them weeks ahead of time.
Baking them closer to Christmas ensures that their freshness and flavor are at their peak, making them even more enjoyable for everyone involved in the holiday spirit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is not measuring the flour correctly, which can lead to dry cookies. Make sure to fluff the flour and spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly.
Another mistake is overmixing the dough, which can create tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, avoiding the temptation to overwork the dough.
Lastly, be cautious with baking time. If you let the cookies bake for too long, they can lose their soft texture and become hard. Always keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the baking time.
Nutritional Notes
Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies offer delight and joy during the holiday season, but they are treats to enjoy in moderation. With their sweet glaze and festive colors, they provide a cheerful addition to any dessert table. They contain a mix of simple carbohydrates from sugar and flour, along with some fats from shortening.
While they aren’t the healthiest option, enjoying them as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle can certainly be part of the festive fun.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can use butter instead of shortening, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making them a bit softer.
How long do the cookies last once glazed?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cookies can last about a week at room temperature.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking it. Simply roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen; just add an extra minute to the baking time.
Conclusion
Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Their festive look and wonderful flavor make them a favorite among many. This straightforward recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels and provides a fantastic way to create lasting memories in the kitchen.
Whether you are baking them for a party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone. Embrace the spirit of the season, gather your family, and create your version of these timeless treats to share while celebrating this wonderful time of year.
