During the festive season, Italian kitchens are filled with the irresistible aromas of freshly baked Christmas cookies. These delectable treats, known as biscotti di Natale, are a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Each region of Italy boasts its unique selection of cookies, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage. From the classic almond-scented amaretti to the delicate pignoli cookies bursting with pine nuts, and the crispy anise-flavored sasanelli, there's a cookie to suit every palate. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a journey through Italy, exploring 11 traditional Christmas cookie recipes that capture the essence of this magical time of year. These recipes have been carefully curated to represent the diverse flavors and textures that make Italian Christmas cookies so beloved. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delightful baking adventure, filling our homes with the sweet aromas of Italian Christmas.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ITALIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES (FILLED)
These are cookies my grandmother used to make for Christmas every year. We always filled them with pre-made mincemeat or the filling in the recipe, but she has down two others in the recipe as well - ground raisins with cinnamon, cloves and sugar/orange juice/sweet wine, and almond paste with brown sugar and rum flavoring (meant to be sweet). Be creative with the frosting colors and sprinkles - that was the only part I was allowed to help with and we always tried to make them as "pretty" as possible.
Provided by AdeleProvence
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 2 dozen, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Sift together flours and salt.
- Cut shortening into flour mixture.
- Melt 1/2 + 1/3 cup sugar in 1/2 cup water and pour into flour mixture and mix.
- Roll out and cut into circles the size of a large can like fruit comes in, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Make the filling by mixing together nuts, 2 tbsp sugar, and raisins.
- Place a tablespoonful of filling on one side of each circle.
- Wet the edges of the circle, fold over (should look like a half moon), and seal with a fork.
- Prick the top of all assembled cookies with a fork to vent.
- Bake at 400F for 7-10 minutes, until just turning golden.
- Let cool.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar or make frosting by mixing 1 tbsp water, powdered sugar, and vanilla. If desired, frosting may be tinted with food coloring and sprinkles may be put on cookies immediately after frosting.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 200.6, Fat 8.9, SaturatedFat 2, Sodium 13.2, Carbohydrate 28.3, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 9.9, Protein 2.4
ITALIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES
A single batch of these ricotta cheese cookies is never enough. I usually make one to give away and two more to keep at home. The ricotta cheese makes the morsels extra moist. -Doris Marshall, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 7 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in ricotta and vanilla. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. , In a large bowl, cream together butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies and immediately decorate with sprinkles. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 92 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 74mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
Tips:
- When making the dough, be sure to use cold butter and water. This will help keep the dough from becoming too soft and sticky.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. However, be careful not to add too much flour, as this will make the dough tough.
- When rolling out the dough, be sure to use a lightly floured surface. This will help prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin or the work surface.
- To make the filling, be sure to use ripe fruit. This will give the filling the best flavor.
- If you don't have any time to make your own jam, you can use store-bought jam instead. Just be sure to choose a jam that is thick and flavorful.
- When baking the cookies, be sure to watch them closely. They can burn easily, so be sure to take them out of the oven as soon as they are golden brown.
- Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely before filling them. This will help prevent the filling from seeping out.
Conclusion:
These Italian Christmas cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. They are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of different fillings, so you can customize them to your own taste. With their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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