Holiday Italian Cookies (Print Format)

Soft, buttery cookies with a creamy topping and bright sprinkles. Ideal for Christmas gatherings or gifting.

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 large eggs.
02 - 1 cup of white sugar.
03 - 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter.
04 - 2 teaspoons of almond or vanilla flavoring.
05 - 3 and a half cups of regular flour.
06 - 4 teaspoons of rising agent (baking powder).
07 - 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
08 - Half a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring.
09 - 3 tablespoons of milk of your choice.
10 - Nonpareil decorations to sprinkle on top.

# Steps:

01 - Stir together the baking powder with the flour.
02 - Blend the sugar, vanilla, and butter till light and fluffy.
03 - Stir each egg in one by one till everything is mixed.
04 - Combine the dry ingredients and work it into a dough that's smooth but not sticky.
05 - Wrap the dough in cling wrap and cool it in the fridge for about an hour.
06 - Turn your oven to 375°F and get your baking sheets ready with parchment paper.
07 - Form the dough into small 1-inch balls or twist it into fun shapes, then space them 2 inches apart.
08 - Pop them in the oven for 8–10 minutes until the bottoms just start to turn golden.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla until smooth and shiny.
10 - Dip cooled cookies in the glaze and scatter sprinkles on top for extra charm.

# Tips:

01 - Soft butter works best—avoid melting it.
02 - For soft texture, mix the dough just enough to bring it together.
03 - Hold off glazing till cookies are fully cooled.
04 - Store unglazed cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.