Description
Festive Italian Cookie Bites blend generations of sweet Italian tradition with delicate almond and vanilla notes. Crumbly, buttery morsels melt on your palate, connecting you to warm kitchens and cherished family memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for the delicate cookies.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and creamy consistency.
- Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly integrated before adding the next, then gently fold in vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the flavor profile.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking them together to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with a gentle hand until the dough just comes together, avoiding overmixing which can lead to tough cookies.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into compact 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) spheres, then delicately press each ball to create a slightly flattened shape.
- Carefully position the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each for even baking, and slide into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for edges to turn a subtle golden brown, indicating the cookies are perfectly cooked.
- While cookies cool, prepare a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
- Once cookies have completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with decorative toppings for a festive finish.
- Allow the glazed cookies to rest until the topping sets completely, creating a delightful sweet shell.
Notes
- Elevate your holiday baking with these delightful Italian-inspired cookie bites that bring a touch of festive cheer to your dessert table.
- Achieve the perfect texture by carefully creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
- Enhance flavor complexity by combining vanilla and almond extracts, adding depth and a subtle nutty undertone to these bite-sized treats.
- Prevent overmixing the dough to ensure a soft, delicate cookie that maintains its light and airy texture.
- Transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert by using a smooth glaze and colorful sprinkles that make these cookies irresistibly appealing.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain maximum freshness and enjoy these delectable treats throughout the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg