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Italian Holiday Cookies

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These Italian Holiday Cookies are soft, glazed, and topped with festive sprinkles—classic, flavorful, and perfect for any holiday cookie tray or homemade gift.

Ingredients

  • For the cookies:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or anise extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla or anise extract
  • Colored sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add butter, milk, and extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
  5. Roll dough into balls or small knots and place on baking sheet.
  6. Bake 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden. Tops should remain pale.
  7. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract to make the glaze.
  8. Dip warm cookies in glaze, add sprinkles, and place on wire rack to set.

Notes

  • Try lemon, almond, or citrus extracts for different flavors.
  • Tint glaze with natural food coloring for extra holiday flair.
  • Add a splash of amaretto or limoncello for a festive twist.
  • Shape dough into knots, wreaths, or S-curves for variety.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/italian-holiday-cookies/