Angelinas Italian Christmas Cookies
I ngredients:
For the Cookies:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract ( optional for a more traditional flavor)
1/4 cup whole milk
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk (or more as needed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Red, green, and white sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined—the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Shape the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into small balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom. The cookies should remain pale on top. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but still pourable—add more milk if necessary to reach the right consistency.
Dip and decorate: Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack and immediately sprinkle with red, green, and white sprinkles.
Let the glaze set: Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes, then enjoy!