
Want to try incredible homemade Italian holiday treats? Our family's been whipping up these simple Italian holiday cookies for decades! These tasty little bites have just the right touch of anise flavor and a gorgeous topping that makes them look like they came from a fancy Italian shop. With my uncomplicated Italian treats guide, you'll be creating like a baking champ really fast.
Why These Stand Out
These homemade Italian holiday cookies are totally adaptable - form them into spheres, wrap them into cute ties, whatever you prefer! My simple Italian holiday cookies guide works perfectly if you're organizing seasonal presents or just wanting something sugary. The mix for these Italian treats is so easy to work with, even first-timers get awesome outcomes.
Your Ingredients
- Butter: Gives our homemade Italian holiday cookies depth and softness.
- Sugar: Using granulated and confectioners for ideal sweetness levels.
- Eggs: Essential for these simple Italian treats.
- Baking Powder: Creates that airy consistency.
- Flour: The foundation of our Italian holiday cookies guide.
- Salt: Only a dash!
- Vanilla: Real extract tastes best.
- Anise: The hidden element in genuine Italian treats.
- Extra Sugar: For the lovely topping.
Baking Steps
- Combine Your Mix
- For amazing homemade Italian holiday cookies, begin by beating your butter and sugar till it's light. My grandma's simple Italian holiday cookies guide mentions taking your time here - it's crucial for tender treats!
- Create Your Forms
- This is where making Italian treats gets exciting! Form them into balls, twist into knots - my little ones enjoy helping with this section. Just coat your fingers with sugar so the simple Italian holiday cookies mix won't stick.
- Baking Time
- Place your homemade Italian holiday cookies in a 350°F oven. Look for those sides to become barely golden - around 10-12 minutes usually works.
- Finishing Touches
- After your Italian treats cool down, dunk them in that delicious topping and add colorful sprinkles. This makes our simple Italian holiday cookies guide results look super festive!
Nonna's Insider Tricks
Need flawless homemade Italian holiday cookies every attempt? Keep your mixture chilled while handling it. My simple Italian holiday cookies guide turns out best when you allow each group to cool fully before adding topping. And those colorful bits? Sprinkle them quickly before the coating hardens on your Italian treats!
Storage Solutions
These homemade Italian holiday cookies stay good in a container for roughly a week. Planning ahead? My simple Italian holiday cookies guide works great for freezing - just hold off on topping them until you're serving. I commonly prepare double amounts of Italian treats and save half for unexpected guests.
Festive Wonder
My homemade Italian holiday cookies always vanish first from seasonal sweet displays. This simple Italian holiday cookies guide has turned into our family custom - everybody looks forward to these Italian treats during December now. They're ideal for presenting, sharing, or enjoying alongside your morning brew!

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should the dough be chilled?
This step lets the butter firm up, making the dough more manageable and preventing the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
- → Is anise extract necessary?
If you’re not a fan of anise, you can go with almond extract or just add extra vanilla. The taste will be different but still pretty tasty.
- → What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Once the glaze hardens, put them in a tightly closed container. They’ll stay good for a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
- → Can I prep the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can leave it in the fridge for up to a day. Just let it sit for a little so it’s easier to roll into balls before baking.
- → Why do you use powdered sugar with the glass?
It stops the dough from sticking when you press the cookies flat while adding a slight dash of sweetness to the tops!