Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe: How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups sugar
• 3 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract or anise extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4–5 tablespoons milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Rainbow sprinkles for topping

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar until combined.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

3. 3

   Add the egg, vanilla extract, and ricotta to the butter mixture and beat the ingredients together until they are well combined.

4. 4

   Using a wooden spoon, stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are well incorporated.

5. 5

   Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes–1 hour.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If multiple sheets aren’t available, work in batches.

7. 7

   Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop up a 1-inch piece of dough and form it into a ball. Place the balls of cookie dough on the cookie sheets with 1 inch of space between each cookie.

8. 8

   Press down gently on each cookie to slightly flatten the dough.

9. 9

   Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cookies are just cooked through but not browned.

10. 10

    While the cookies are baking, make the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the texture is smooth but not runny.

11. 11

    Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.

12. 12

    Using your hands, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and return to the wire rack. Top the cookies with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Allow the glaze to firm up before serving.

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