These Italian Christmas Butter Cookies, also known as “A Monata,” are melt-in-your-mouth delights perfect for the holiday season. Made with just four main ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and are sure to impress with their delicate texture and buttery flavor. Whether you pipe them plain, decorate with sprinkles, or dip in chocolate, these cookies are a holiday favorite for sharing or gifting.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 160 g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 80 g (⅔ cup) powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tsp almond extract, vanilla extract, or lemon zest
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Soften the Butter:
Cut the butter into small chunks and microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften. Be careful not to melt it. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until the mixture is creamy and spreadable. - Add Flavorings:
Stir in your choice of almond extract, vanilla extract, or lemon zest for added flavor, or leave plain for classic butter cookies. - Incorporate the Egg Yolk:
Add the egg yolk (at room temperature) and mix until fully combined. - Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until a soft, pipeable dough forms. If the dough is too stiff, add 1 tbsp of warm water.
Pipe the Cookies:
6. Prepare the Piping Bag:
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip. Use a sturdy piping bag to prevent tearing.
- Pipe onto Baking Sheets:
Pipe small shapes (e.g., rosettes, circles, or lines) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure all cookies are a similar size for even baking. - Decorate (Optional):
Sprinkle with colored sugar, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for festive touches.
Chill and Bake:
9. Chill the Dough:
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). - Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. - Cool Completely:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes to firm up before transferring to a cooling rack.
Serve and Store:
13. Enjoy the cookies plain, or dip them in melted chocolate once cooled. Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a festive treat.
5 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as part of a holiday cookie platter.
- Pair with a warm mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
- Wrap in festive tins or bags for thoughtful holiday gifts.
- Add to dessert boards alongside other holiday treats.
- Dunk in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for extra flair.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chill the dough well to help the cookies retain their shape during baking.
- Use powdered sugar, not granulated sugar, for the best texture.
- Experiment with different piping shapes for variety.
- Let the cookies cool completely before moving them to avoid breakage.
Nutritional Benefits:
- These cookies are a delicious indulgence, perfect for occasional treats during the holiday season.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian.
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Nutritional Facts (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Perfect for holiday gifting or festive gatherings.
- Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves.
- Customizable with flavorings and toppings to suit your taste.
Conclusion:
These Italian Christmas Butter Cookies are a simple yet elegant holiday treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive decorations, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to make. Whip up a batch and spread some holiday cheer with these irresistible cookies!
10 Frequently Asked Questions with Answers:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. - What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut off or shape the cookies by hand. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before piping. - What other decorations can I use?
Chopped nuts, edible glitter, or colored sugar are great options. - Can I freeze unbaked cookies?
Yes, pipe the cookies, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. - Why do I need to chill the cookies before baking?
Chilling helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents spreading. - Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
No, powdered sugar provides the melt-in-your-mouth texture essential to these cookies. - How do I ensure the cookies bake evenly?
Pipe cookies of the same size and bake on the middle rack of the oven. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour. - What’s the best way to gift these cookies?
Package them in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons.