Step into the holiday spirit with a touch of Italy! These Christmas cookies are a delightful treat that will transport your taste buds to the cobblestone streets of Rome or the charming piazzas of Florence. Packed with the flavors of almond and citrus, these cookies are a perfect addition to your festive baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe for these scrumptious Italian Christmas cookies!
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
3. Add the egg, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more all-purpose flour.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
These Italian Christmas cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of Vin Santo for a truly authentic experience. Share them with your loved ones or package them up as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season. The combination of almond, citrus, and buttery goodness in every bite will surely make these cookies a favorite among your friends and family.
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful Christmas cookies straight from Italy. The simple ingredients and easy instructions make this recipe a joy to bake, creating a delicious treat that captures the essence of Italian holiday traditions. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and immerse yourself in the festive flavors of the season with these delightful Italian cookies. Buon Natale!
