The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about sweet treats to serve at your Christmas party. Italy is famous for its delicious desserts, and Italian Christmas cookies are no exception. These cookies are rich in flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with your loved ones.
In this article, we will guide you on how to make the perfect Italian Christmas cookies that will be sure to impress your guests. We will also discuss some of the health benefits of these cookies and answer some frequently asked questions.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– ½ cup of milk
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
5. Slowly pour in the milk while mixing, until the dough is soft and pliable.
6. Dust a clean surface with some flour, and knead the dough for about three minutes.
7. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter), and place them on the lined baking sheet.
8. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cookies are cooled down, dust them with powdered sugar.
Health Benefits of Italian Christmas Cookies:
While Italian Christmas cookies are certainly not the healthiest option out there, they do have some health benefits. For instance, these cookies contain ingredients that are high in carbohydrates and proteins, which can give you an energy boost.
Additionally, these cookies are typically made with unsalted butter, which is lower in cholesterol than salted butter. Italian Christmas cookies can also be made with ingredients like almond flour, which is a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour since it is lower in carbs and calories.
FAQs:
Q: Can I substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour. However, it will change the texture of the cookies. Almond flour is denser than all-purpose flour, so your cookies will be denser as well. Almond flour is also more expensive than all-purpose flour, so keep that in mind as well.
Q: How long do Italian Christmas cookies last?
A: Italian Christmas cookies can last for up to two weeks if stored properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze the cookies and they will last for up to one month.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the cookies?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to the cookies, such as chocolate chips, almonds, walnuts, or dried fruit. However, keep in mind that adding too many ingredients can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Conclusion:
Italian Christmas cookies are a delicious and easy dessert to make for your holiday party. With the above recipe, you can make perfect Italian Christmas cookies that are sure to impress your guests. While these cookies are not the healthiest option, they do have some health benefits, and you can also substitute some ingredients to make them healthier. Don’t forget to store them properly, and feel free to experiment with other ingredients to make them even more delicious!
