Soft & Festive Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Memories of my nonna’s Italian Christmas cookies always transport me to a world of sweet nostalgia.

Delicate powdered sugar drifts like snow across perfectly baked treats.

Generations of my family have passed down this cherished recipe from one kitchen to another.

Little hands would eagerly help roll and shape these delightful morsels during holiday gatherings.

Each cookie carries whispers of tradition and love from my childhood.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies irresistible to everyone who tries them.

Come bake a batch and create your own delicious memories.

Pairing Options for Italian Christmas Cookies

• Rich espresso or dark roast coffee perfectly highlights the nutty almond and deep chocolate notes of these delicate cookies.
• Serve alongside a small glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato d'Asti, which will beautifully balance the cookie's rich chocolate and buttery texture.
• Arrange these cookies on a platter with other Italian holiday treats like biscotti and amaretti to create a delightful Christmas dessert assortment that celebrates traditional Italian flavors.
• Enjoy with a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy cappuccino to complement the cookies' delicate crunch and smooth chocolate filling.

Creative Cookie Versions to Explore

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap almond flour with hazelnut flour for a rich, different flavor profile that adds depth to the traditional recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter, ensuring those with dairy restrictions can enjoy these festive treats.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia to create a lower-calorie cookie option for health-conscious bakers.

Italian Cookie FAQs Unwrapped

• Are Baci di Dama cookies difficult to make at home?

These cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques. Even beginner bakers can successfully make them with minimal baking experience.

• Why do these cookies have a delicate, crumbly texture?

The combination of almond flour and butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Using softened butter and carefully mixing the ingredients helps achieve the signature delicate crumb.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have almond flour?

While almond flour is traditional, you can use ground almonds or replace it with hazelnut flour for a similar nutty flavor. Just ensure the replacement maintains the cookie’s delicate texture.

• What's the best way to shape these cookies evenly?

Use a small cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball to ensure uniform size. Consistent sizing helps cookies bake evenly and look professionally made.

Why Italian Christmas Cookies Make Memories

• Create memorable moments with loved ones by baking these simple, delicious cookies that even kids can help prepare and enjoy.
• Complete the entire recipe in under 30 minutes, from mixing the dough to serving the finished chocolate-sandwiched cookies.
• Impress guests with elegant, professional-looking Baci di Dama that taste like they came straight from an Italian bakery.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies

• Almond Flour: Provides rich nutty flavor and tender texture for classic Italian cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structural support and traditional cookie consistency.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates soft, delicate sweetness with smooth texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic background note to enhance overall cookie flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other ingredients.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy base and helps bind cookie dough together.

• Dark Chocolate: Provides luxurious, intense filling that complements delicate cookie texture, best when high-quality and at least 60% cocoa content.

How to Shape and Bake Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

• Almond flour
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Salt

Add softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix until the dough comes together smoothly.

Step 3: Shape Adorable Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into tiny walnut-sized spheres, placing them gently on the prepared baking sheet with about an inch of breathing space between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden color.

Step 5: Cool And Rest

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their delightful texture.

Step 6: Chocolate Sandwich Magic

Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave method. Spread a small dollop of chocolate on one cookie’s bottom and lovingly press another cookie on top to create a decadent sandwich.

Step 7: Let Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate filling to firm up before serving these delectable Italian treats that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Italy.

Cookie-Making Tips for Italian Traditions

• Perfect Dough Consistency: Work with softened butter at room temperature to ensure smooth, easy mixing without overworking the dough.
• Precise Ball Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball to create uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler method to prevent burning and maintain a silky smooth texture.
• Storage Savvy: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation of freshness.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap almond flour with hazelnut flour for a different flavor profile while maintaining the traditional Italian cookie texture.

How to Keep Italian Christmas Cookies Fresh

• Place cooled Baci di Dama cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without chocolate filling. Add chocolate after thawing.
• Store completely cooled cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Allow chocolate to soften naturally at room temperature before serving to maintain cookie texture.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 36 1x

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Description

Delightful Italian Christmas Cookies bring festive cheer with their delicate sweetness and rich cultural tradition. Powdered sugar-dusted morsels from Naples promise a merry celebration that connects family and friends through generations of cherished baking.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze and Decoration:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 23 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate dough by blending almond and all-purpose flour with powdered sugar and salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Incorporate softened butter and vanilla extract, gently kneading until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, smooth dough.
3. Delicately shape the dough into petite spheres, approximately the size of a walnut, ensuring uniform dimensions.
4. Arrange the rounded morsels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning them with gentle separation to allow room for expansion.
5. Transfer the cookie sheet to a preheated oven set at 325F (165C), allowing the delicate orbs to bake until their edges acquire a gentle golden hue, approximately 10-12 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and transfer the fragile cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach ambient temperature completely.
7. Prepare the dark chocolate filling by carefully melting it using a double boiler method or microwave technique, stirring until achieving a silky, glossy consistency.
8. Once cooled, pair the cookies and create elegant sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of molten chocolate between two complementary halves.
9. Allow the chocolate to solidify at room temperature, creating a seamless bond between the delicate cookie layers.
10. Serve these elegant Baci di Dama as a sophisticated holiday treat, capturing the essence of traditional Italian Christmas confections.

Notes

• Always use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that creates delicate cookie texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain precise cookie shape during baking.
• Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to create uniform cookie sizes, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like milk or white chocolate for unique flavor variations that suit personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 36
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg