How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies with Cocoa and Orange Liqueur - A Step-by-Step Guide

As the holiday season approaches, many families gather to celebrate and indulge in traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. One such recipe that holds a special place in Italian households is the Italian Christmas Cookies with Cocoa and Orange Liqueur. These cookies are a delightful and aromatic treat that combines the rich flavors of cocoa and the bright citrus notes of orange liqueur, creating a festive and indulgent sweet treat for the holidays.

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Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 24 servings

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 baking sheets.
  • Sift flour and baking powder together in a bowl. Beat white sugar and butter together in a separate bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; beat in eggs. Stir creamed butter mixture, cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons liqueur, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into flour mixture until dough is just combined.
  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead, adding flour as needed to keep from dough sticking to your hands. Roll dough, 1 to 2 tablespoons per cookie, in your hands and form a log-shape; twirl log into desired shape. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until edges of cookies are lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons liqueur, water, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract together in a bowl until icing is creamy. Dip cookies into icing. Place a piece of waxed paper under a wire rack and place cookies on wire rack to cool.
  • Nutrition

    204 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 41mg
    • Sodium: 122mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 20g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Calcium: 58mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 88mg