My Italian grandmother loved making these during Christmas time, but I am not gonna lie

Cooktop Cove: My Italian grandmother loved making these during Christmas time, but I am not gonna lie - I ate them all year round!

By Morgan Reed

Italian Christmas cookies, also known as "Cuccidati" or "Biscotti di Natale," are a popular and cherished treat during the holiday season in Italy. These delightful cookies are typically filled with dried fruits and nuts, wrapped in a buttery dough, and then baked to perfection. The origins of this beloved delicacy can be traced back to Sicily, where they were traditionally made to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. Today, they are made and enjoyed by families all over Italy and around the world as a sweet and festive symbol of Christmas. The following recipe is a more convenient, modern adaptation and my Italian grandmother's favorite.

To serve these scrumptious Italian Christmas cookies, it is best to offer them alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Vin Santo. The cookies pair beautifully with these beverages, complementing their flavors and adding a touch of sweetness to the overall experience. You can also serve them as part of a dessert platter with other traditional Italian sweets like panettone, pandoro, or cannoli for a delightful display of Christmas treats.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe:

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
3/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Extra powdered sugar for dusting

For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in bowl. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until creamy.

3. Add eggs and vanilla extract one by one.

4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Avoid overmixing. Chill dough in the fridge for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and press them with a sugared glass bottom.

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool.

8. Prepare glaze by sifting powdered sugar and whisking in milk and vanilla until smooth.

9. Dip cookies in glaze, add nonpareil sprinkles, and let the glaze dry before freezing.

Enjoy the delightful flavors and traditional charm of these Italian Christmas cookies, a true Italian treat that will surely bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Buon Natale!