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Italian Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
5 from 12 votes

Italian Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)

Italian Christmas Cookies feature a firm yet tender dough flavored with anise extract and baked to light golden bottoms. They are topped with an anise-flavored glaze made with powdered sugar, cream, and melted butter, providing a sweet, glossy finish. These cookies have a classic holiday flavor and texture.

Servings: 24
Calories: 150 kcal
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 egg
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract or almond or vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Anise Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar aka icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp half and half or whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp anise extract
  • 2 tbsp butter melted, salted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar until light and creamy.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Mix in the anise extract.
  4. Mix in the dry ingredients by hand until dough is firm and only slightly sticky, adding more flour if necessary.
  5. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  6. Using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop, scoop out the cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving about 1.5 inches between the cookies.
  7. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes (the bottom should be lightly browned but the tops should remain light).
  8. Remove the cookies to a wire baking rack and cool completely before glazing.
  9. Anise Flavored Glaze
  10. Combine the Icing ingredients in a bowl until just smooth. You want it more thick than thin, but still runny.
  11. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then return to the wire rack, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides of the cookie.
  12. Top with sprinkles, while glaze is still wet.
  13. Let the glaze dry, then store in a closed container.

Notes

  • Store baked cookies in a closed container with a fresh bread slice to restore moisture if they become dry.
  • Anise extract can be substituted with almond or vanilla extract to vary flavor.
  • Ensure cookies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent melting the icing.

Nutrition Information

Calories 150kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 30mg (10%) Sodium 59mg (2%) Potassium 52mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 19g (38%) Vitamin A 137IU (3%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 150

% Daily Value*

Calories 150kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 59mg 2%
Potassium 52mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 19g 38%
Vitamin A 137IU 3%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.