Italian Christmas Cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
7. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water in a bowl. Once the cookies have cooled, dip each one in the glaze and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
8. Let the glaze set before serving.

4. Cucidati (Italian Fig Cookies)

Cucidati, also known as Italian fig cookies, are a holiday favorite filled with a fig and spice filling. These cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with rich, warm flavors. They’re perfect for anyone who loves fruit-filled cookies.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1 1/2 cups dried figs, chopped
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. For the dough, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add butter, orange juice, and vanilla extract, then mix until the dough forms.
3. For the filling, combine chopped figs, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the figs soften and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into small rectangles. Place a spoonful of fig filling in the center of each rectangle and fold the dough over to form a pocket.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cookies cool.
6. Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar, water, and lemon juice before serving.

Conclusion: A Sweet Italian Holiday Tradition

Italian Christmas cookies are more than just treats—they’re a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season and share love and tradition with family and friends. From the crunchy, almond-flavored biscotti to the sweet and citrusy anginetti, each cookie brings a unique flavor and texture that’s sure to delight your guests.

So, this Christmas, take the time to bake these classic Italian cookies. Whether you’re keeping the tradition alive in your family or trying them for the first time, you’ll find that they’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer, one sweet bite at a time. Buon Natale!