Angeletti Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.

Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the cookie's texture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.

Anise extract: Optional, but adds a unique licorice-like flavor.

Powdered sugar: Used for the icing, giving it a smooth and sweet finish.

Milk: Thins the icing to the right consistency.

Colored sprinkles: Adds a festive touch to the cookies.

When mixing the butter and sugar together, ensure they are beaten until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and more tender cookie. Additionally, when adding the eggs, make sure to beat well after each addition to fully emulsify the mixture, which helps in achieving a uniform texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cookies denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar texture, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that adds fiber.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• anise extract - Substitute with fennel extract: Fennel extract has a similar licorice-like flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut powdered sugar: Coconut powdered sugar is a healthier alternative with a slight coconut flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a unique sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.

• colored sprinkles - Substitute with natural colored sprinkles: Natural colored sprinkles are made without artificial dyes and are a healthier option.

• To keep your Angeletti Italian Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to a week.
• If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, ensure the cookies are completely cooled and the icing is fully set. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This will prevent them from sticking together.
• Once the cookies are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes to an hour. If you prefer, you can also warm them slightly in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to bring back their freshly baked taste.
• If you plan to gift these delightful cookies, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper. This not only keeps them fresh but also adds a festive touch to your gift.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes, just until they are heated through. This method helps maintain their delightful texture.

• If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them too soft.

• For a slightly crispier texture, you can use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent over-browning.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the cookies in a single layer in the basket and heat for 2-3 minutes. This method can give them a nice, even warmth without making them too soft or too hard.

• To enjoy them with a bit of a twist, consider reheating the cookies in a skillet over low heat. Place them in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This can give them a slightly toasted flavor, enhancing their deliciousness.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough balls for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).

• Mixing bowl: Another bowl used to beat the butter and sugar, and to mix in the eggs and extracts.

• Whisk: Used to whisk together the dry ingredients.

• Electric mixer: Used to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and to mix in the eggs and extracts.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour, sugar, and powdered sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and anise extract.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after baking.

• Small bowl: Used to whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the icing.

• Whisk: Used to whisk the icing ingredients until smooth.

• Spoon: Used to dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing.

• Sprinkles: Used to decorate the cookies after icing.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly and efficiently combine butter, sugar, and eggs.

Chill the dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes to make rolling easier.

Batch baking: Bake multiple cookie sheets at once to save time.

Pre-make icing: Prepare the icing while the cookies are baking to save time later.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes and speeds up the rolling process.