Italian Christmas Cookies Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 4 eggs
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract
05 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 4 teaspoons baking powder

→ Glaze

07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 3 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)
10 - Nonpareil sprinkles for decoration

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk together flour and baking powder, and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, vanilla extract, and sugar.
03 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition to combine.
04 - Add in the flour mixture and mix until combined.
05 - Knead dough until firm and not sticky. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
06 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
07 - Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, or roll dough into 6-inch strips to form a swirl and tuck the edge under. Place cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly browned, and the tops should remain light.
09 - Remove cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely before glazing.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until thick but runny. Adjust milk or sugar consistency as needed.
11 - Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze. Let excess glaze run off. Place on a cooling rack and sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles. Allow the glaze to dry completely, about 30-60 minutes.

# Notes:

01 - Use room-temperature butter for smooth, even dough. Soften butter quickly by cutting it into smaller pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
02 - Do not overmix the cookie dough, as this can make the cookies dense and tough.
03 - Do not skip the chilling step, as it makes the dough easier to handle and helps cookies maintain their shape.
04 - Decorate only when cookies are cool to prevent icing or decorations from melting.

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