Italian Christmas Knot Cookies Anginetti

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what Christmas in Italy really tastes like? These Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies , Anginetti, are it! The subtle anise flavour and sweet glaze is utterly addictive.

Honestly, they are a Christmas classic.

Brief Overview

These Italian Knot Cookies are a slice of Italian heritage and Italian Holiday Baking . Nonna's Christmas Cookies are usually made for festive celebrations.

This recipe is intermediate in difficulty. It takes about 2 hours total, including chilling. It makes around 36 delicious cookies.

Main Benefits

Beyond their amazing taste, these Anise Christmas Cookies offer pure comfort. I love baking Italian Christmas Desserts . It fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma.

They're perfect for gifting or serving with coffee after Christmas dinner. What makes them special? The unique knot shape and delicate anise flavour.

Ready to bake some magic? Let's dive into the ingredients...

Unveiling Nonna's Secret : What are Anginetti Cookies?

These are basically Christmas Cookies Easy to love! Anginetti, also known as Italian Christmas Cookies , are sweet dreams on a plate.

I remember being fascinated watching my neighbor shape the dough. The key is patience. The anise flavour, oh my gosh, it's divine.

It’s almost like a warm hug in a cookie.

Ingredients: Let’s Get Stocked Up!

Right, let's get to the good stuff.

• For the Dough
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Glaze
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup milk (or water)
  • ½ teaspoon anise extract (optional)
  • Rainbow sprinkles

I can tell you, having quality ingredients makes all the difference. The butter needs to be properly softened, you know? Not melted! And don't skimp on the anise extract.

It's what gives these Italian Christmas Cookies their signature kick.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these amazing Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies . These Italian Knot Cookies , also known as Anginetti Cookies , are a taste of Nonna's Christmas Cookies and a true Italian Holiday Baking experience.

Honestly, prepping is half the fun. Let's get started!

Ingredients & Equipment

Essential Ingredients for Italian Magic

Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need, from eggs to extracts.

• Eggs: You'll need 6 large eggs (about 300g total). Quality eggs make for a richer dough.
• Sugar: 1 ½ cups (340g) of granulated sugar.
• Butter: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened. The softer, the better!
• Extracts: 1 tsp (5ml) anise extract and 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract.
• Flour: 4 ½ cups (567g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting. Don't skimp!
• Baking Powder: 4 tsp (20ml) baking powder for that perfect rise.
• Salt: ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt to balance the sweetness.

Glaze that Shimmers:

• Powdered Sugar: 3 cups (340g) powdered sugar.
• Milk: ½ cup (120ml) milk. You can use water too.
• Anise Extract: ½ tsp (2.5ml) anise extract (optional).
• Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles, for decoration!

Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Flavors

Anise is the star here, giving these Italian Christmas Cookies their distinct flavor. But don't be afraid to experiment. Lemon extract adds a lovely brightness if you want Lemon Anise Christmas Cookies ! I once accidentally used almond extract instead of anise.

It was still delicious, but definitely not Traditional Christmas Cookies ! It tasted like a different kind of Italian Christmas Desserts .

For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You really don’t need much to whip up these Christmas Cookies Easy .

• Mixer: Stand mixer or hand mixer.
• Bowls: Large mixing bowls.
• Measuring tools: Cups and spoons.
• Baking sheets: Baking sheets.
• Parchment: Parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Cooling rack: Wire rack.
• Saucepan: Small saucepan (for glaze).
• Whisk: Whisk.

No stand mixer? No problem! A good old-fashioned wooden spoon will do the trick, it only requires slightly more elbow grease! A fork can sub in for a whisk in a pinch, too.

Just make sure you get those lumps out. These Anise Christmas Cookies are all about simplicity and comfort. Let’s get baking!

Let's get baking some Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies !

The Magic of Italian Holiday Baking

Honestly, nothing says Christmas like the smell of Nonna's Christmas Cookies wafting through the house. These aren't just any cookies; they're memories baked into a sweet treat.

We are talking about Italian Christmas Desserts - particularly, our Italian Christmas Cookies

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First, let's get organized. Measure out all your ingredients. Trust me, it saves so much time. Soften that butter well beforehand too.

This is a key for success. It helps make your Anginetti Cookies Recipe perfect.

step-by-step to Cookie Perfection

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add eggs and extracts.
3. Mix dry and wet ingredients.
4. Chill dough for 1 hour .
5. Shape knots.
6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 10- 12 minutes .
7. Cool.
8. Glaze and decorate.

Pro Tips for Traditional Christmas Cookies

Avoid overmixing it toughens the dough. Chill that dough! It makes all the difference. You can even make the dough a day ahead.

Store it in the fridge, ready for your Italian Holiday Baking session. The traditional christmas cookies will be soft and tender if you don't skip this part.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Nonna's Christmas Cookies

Alright, so you're ready to whip up some Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies ! Ace! But before you dive headfirst into flour and sugar, let's chat about a few things.

I learned from my own (hypothetical!) kitchen escapades. Things that will make your Italian Holiday Baking experience smoother than a perfectly made glaze.

These are my real thoughts, from cooking them.

Showing Off Your Italian Christmas Desserts : Plating & Pairings

Honestly, presentation is key. I reckon you could be making the most delicious cookies. If they look a bit naff, they won't get the attention they deserve, will they?

Arrange your Anise Christmas Cookies artfully on a pretty plate. Try a few sprigs of rosemary or a dusting of icing sugar to make them look extra fancy.

Serve them with a steaming cup of Italian coffee. Or go proper authentic and serve them with a glass of Vin Santo.

A sweet Italian dessert wine. Bellissimo !

Storing Your Traditional Christmas Cookies Like a Pro

Right, you've got a batch of gorgeous cookies, but what if you can't eat them all at once. Unlikely, but hey, life happens!

For the best results, keep the cookies in an airtight container. They'll be fine at room temperature for about 3-4 days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Honestly, I've never had any left long enough to freeze! To reheat, just leave them out at room temperature to thaw.

Tweaking Your Anginetti Cookies Recipe : Variations Galore

Fancy putting your own stamp on these Italian Knot Cookies ? Go on, get creative!

• Dietary Adaptations: Swap normal flour for gluten-free flour. Swap the butter for vegan butter.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Lemon or orange zest works a treat instead of anise.

Cracking the Code: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real, these are Christmas Cookies Easy and meant to be enjoyed, not worried about. However, here's a rough guide: each cookie contains about 120 calories, with 1g of protein, 5g of fat, 18g of carbs, and 10g of sugar.

Remember, it's just an estimate!

So there you have it! Armed with these extra tips, you're all set to create some seriously scrumptious Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies .

Get stuck in and enjoy the process! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cookies specifically "Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies"? Are they really that Italian?

These cookies, often called Anginetti, are a beloved Italian American tradition during the holidays. Their light anise flavor and simple glaze evoke a sense of nostalgia and are commonly found on Christmas tables across Italy and in Italian communities abroad.

It's like having a little slice of the old country with your cuppa a proper tradition!

Help! My dough is too sticky. What did I do wrong when trying to make these Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies?

A sticky dough usually means there's too much liquid or not enough flour. First, ensure you measured the flour correctly (spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off). If it's still too sticky, gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.

And remember, chilling the dough is key it firms up and makes it easier to handle, like giving it a good sit-down before the party!

Can I make Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies ahead of time? How should I store them?

Absolutely! These cookies are great for making ahead. Once the glaze is set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the unglazed cookies for up to a month; just thaw them completely and then glaze before serving.

They're like a well kept secret weapon for the busy holiday season!

I don't like anise. What other flavors can I use in my Italian Christmas cookies?

No worries, mate! If anise isn't your cup of tea, you can substitute it with other extracts. Almond extract is a popular choice for a nutty flavor, or you could try lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist.

Remember to use the same amount of the substitute extract as the anise extract called for in the recipe usually around a teaspoon.

Are there any healthier alternatives for this Traditional Italian Christmas Cookie recipe?

You can make some tweaks! Try using whole wheat flour (or a blend) for added fiber. Reduce the sugar slightly and consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though this will affect the texture. For the glaze, you can make a thinner glaze and use it sparingly.

It's all about balance and enjoying the festive spirit in moderation! If you're looking for nutritional info, remember to factor in that nutritional information can vary and that is important!

My glaze is either too thick or too thin! How do I fix the glaze for my Italian Christmas Knot cookies?

Ah, the dreaded glaze dilemma! If it's too thick, add milk (or water) one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar, also one teaspoon at a time, until it thickens up. You are aiming for something that coats the cookie nicely but doesn't run straight off.