Italian Christmas Cookies

You’ll need

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 cup flour

4 tsp. baking powder

Sift dry ingredients.

Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs; add vanilla and dry ingredients.

Knead and add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to hands. Pinch off dough, roll in your hands to form a log and then twirl into shape. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Icing

2 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

6 tsp. water

Stir until creamy

Dip cookies into icing and sprinkle with trim. Place on wire rack with wax paper on counter to collect the dripping icing and sprinkles.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 36 cookies | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for later use?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it.

Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying.

When ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I use a different type of sprinkle or decoration for the icing?

Absolutely! You can get creative with different types of sprinkles, colored sugars, or even edible glitter to personalize the cookies for various occasions.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

To maintain freshness, place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Enjoy within a week for the best taste and texture.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies without the icing.

Once cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

Thaw and add the icing and sprinkles just before serving.

Can I use margarine or a butter substitute in place of butter?

While butter contributes to the flavor and texture of the cookies, you can use margarine or a butter substitute.

Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly, so choose a substitute that suits your dietary preferences.

Can I make these cookies without using eggs for an egg-free version?

Yes, you can try using egg substitutes such as applesauce, mashed banana, or commercial egg replacers if you need an egg-free alternative.

Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

How can I add a citrus flavor to the cookies for a twist?

To add a citrus flavor, you can incorporate grated orange or lemon zest into the cookie dough.

Start with about a teaspoon and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour?

While all-purpose flour is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Keep in mind that the texture may be denser, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour as needed.

What other alternatives can I use for the icing besides water?

You can customize the icing by using milk or citrus juice instead of water.

Adjust the liquid quantity to achieve your desired consistency.

Different liquids can add unique flavors to the icing.

How can I avoid cookies spreading too much during baking?

To prevent excessive spreading, make sure the butter is not too soft.

You can also chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.

Additionally, ensure that the baking sheets are not too warm when placing the cookie dough on them.