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Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies - Image 3

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

These Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday table. Soft, chewy, and flavored with anise, they're perfect for festive celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract or 2 teaspoons anise seeds
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the anise extract or anise seeds. Trust me, the anise flavor is what makes these cookies uniquely Italian and perfect for Christmas.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; you want a soft dough.
  4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in confectioners' sugar until well coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the fun part—enjoying your beautifully baked Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies!

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies
• Serve with a cup of espresso or your favorite holiday drink
Food Safety:
• Ensure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness