Description
Festive Italian Holiday Bites showcase classic Mediterranean flavors with delightful nibbles perfect for seasonal celebrations. Small pastry pockets filled with rich ricotta and herbs offer guests a taste of authentic Italian culinary tradition you can enjoy in just two delectable bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 1 cup (227 grams) softened butter
- 3 large eggs
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Icing and Decoration:
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for icing
- Food coloring (red, green, or any festive colors)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Incorporate whole eggs, pure vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional fresh lemon zest into the butter mixture, whisking until the ingredients are completely integrated and the texture is uniform.
- In a separate clean bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, using a wire whisk to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a cohesive cookie dough that holds together without overmixing.
- Carefully shape the dough into small, uniform spheres approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing.
- Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for light golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
- Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks to achieve complete cooling.
- Prepare the icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk or water until smooth, then divide into separate bowls for creating multiple color variations using food coloring.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, artfully dip or brush with colored icing and immediately garnish with festive sprinkles before allowing the icing to set completely.
Notes
- Master this festive treat in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Keep butter softened at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing.
- Use fresh, high-quality extracts to elevate the cookie’s delicate flavor profile.
- Ensure consistent cookie size by using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure.
- Allow icing to completely set for at least 15-20 minutes before stacking or storing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg