Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies
45 min.
100
68kcal

Suggestions


As the holiday season approaches, the delightful aroma of baking wafts through the air, signaling the time for festive treats. One cherished tradition in many Italian households is the creation of Italian Christmas Cookies, a sweet and nostalgic dessert that brings warmth and joy to every gathering. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, these delightful little bites are perfect for sharing with family and friends during holiday celebrations.

These Italian Christmas Cookies feature a delectable filling of dried figs surrounded by a tender and buttery dough, making them a truly irresistible treat. The blend of sugar, milk, and vanilla creates a luscious background that complements the natural sweetness of the figs, while the hint of shortening lends a rich, flaky quality to the cookies. Measuring just 1.5 inches square, these bite-sized delights are perfect for dessert platters, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging in while watching your favorite holiday movies.

In just 45 minutes, you can produce around 100 cookies, making them ideal for large gatherings or holiday parties. The process is easy and enjoyable, allowing you to get the whole family involved in the festive baking tradition. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Italian Christmas Cookies will surely become a cherished recipe in your holiday repertoire. Don’t wait—let’s celebrate the season with these delicious bites of joy!

Ingredients

  • teaspoons double-acting baking powder 
  • 24 ounce figs dried
  •  eggs well beaten
  • 4.5 cups flour all-purpose
  • 0.3 cup milk 
  • 1.3 cups shortening 
  • 0.8 cup sugar 
  • teaspoon vanilla extract 

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • mixing bowl
  • blender

Directions

  1. Combine flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl; stir well.
  2. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in center of mixture, and set aside.
  3. Combine sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
  4. Remove from heat, and gradually stir in eggs.
  5. Pour into reserved flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
  6. Knead 3 to 4 times on a lightly floured surface.
  7. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness; cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
  8. Place a fig in the center of each square; press dough around fig.
  9. Place cookies, seam side down, on greased cookie sheets.
  10. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes.
  11. Remove from cookie sheets, and cool completely on wire racks.
  12. Spread frosting over tops of cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Calories68kcal
Protein5.68%
Fat36.28%
Carbs58.04%

Properties

Glycemic Index
3.06
Glycemic Load
5.33
Inflammation Score
-1
Nutrition Score
1.6547826343904%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:68.38kcal
3.42%
Fat:2.84g
4.36%
Saturated Fat:0.72g
4.47%
Carbohydrates:10.21g
3.4%
Net Carbohydrates:9.39g
3.41%
Sugar:4.82g
5.36%
Cholesterol:5.01mg
1.67%
Sodium:11.58mg
0.5%
Alcohol:0.01g
100%
Alcohol %:0.09%
100%
Protein:1g
2%
Manganese:0.07mg
3.68%
Vitamin B1:0.05mg
3.43%
Selenium:2.38µg
3.4%
Fiber:0.82g
3.28%
Folate:11.53µg
2.88%
Iron:0.43mg
2.41%
Vitamin B2:0.04mg
2.4%
Vitamin K:2.45µg
2.33%
Vitamin B3:0.38mg
1.88%
Calcium:18.35mg
1.84%
Potassium:55.43mg
1.58%
Phosphorus:15.82mg
1.58%
Magnesium:6.15mg
1.54%
Copper:0.03mg
1.44%
Vitamin E:0.2mg
1.33%
Source:My Recipes