Nothing says Christmas quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. This Italian holiday tradition, Frollini Di Natale or Christmas Shortbread Cookies, delights both young and old with its rich buttery flavor and festive decorations. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies are a must-have during the holiday season.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Assorted sprinkles, icing, and decorations of your choice
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream the butter and sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add the vanilla:** Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Incorporate the dry ingredients:** Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Chill the dough:** Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up for easier handling.
6. **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. **Decorate the cookies:** Before baking, decorate the cookies with assorted sprinkles, icing, or other decorations of your choice. Get creative and have fun with different designs!
8. **Bake the cookies:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
9. **Cool and enjoy:** Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these delightful Christmas shortbread cookies are ready to enjoy!
10. **Store or gift:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or package them in festive boxes or bags to give as homemade gifts to friends and family.
Get into the holiday spirit with these Frollini Di Natale Christmas Shortbread Cookies that bring a touch of Italian tradition to your festive celebrations. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cookie exchange or simply indulging in some self-care time in the kitchen, these buttery treats are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and let the baking begin!