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Italian Christmas Cookies on plate with holiday decor
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4.60 from 5 votes

Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies are a delicious cake-like cookie with a hint of anise that will look fabulous on your holiday cookie trays.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract

For the Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

  • As I usually like to do with baking recipes, gather your dry ingredients and combine them first.  Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 cup granulated white sugar. Beat until creamy and smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla, and anise extract; mix well. 
  • Slowly add in your dry ingredients and incorporate after each addition.  
  • Place dough in refrigerator for about an hour. 
  • Then it's time to preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into about one inch balls and place on a non-stick baking sheet.  Press the dough balls down slightly and then bake for about 8-10 minutes. 
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheet for a couple of minutes before placing on wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once the cookies are cooled, prepare the glaze but whisking together the 2 cups powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
  • Dip the cookies into the glaze and then place back on wire rack. Add sprinkles to each cookie and allow glaze to harden.