Ingredients

3 1/2 cups pastry flour
1/2 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt ( says a pinch )
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup walnuts , finely chopped ( pecans work too )
1/2 cup raisins , ground ( in a food processor )
1 tablespoon water ( optional )
1 cup powdered sugar , sifted ( optional )
1/2 teaspoon vanilla ( optional )
Italian Christmas Cookies are a beloved treat during the holiday season. Traditionally filled with a variety of fruit preserves, nuts or chocolate, these cookies are a staple on most holiday dessert tables. This recipe features a delicious filling of chopped walnuts and ground raisins, bound together with sugar and water. The simple dough is easy to work with and can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes. The cookies can be drizzled with a vanilla glaze or served plain, according to personal preference. These delicious cookies are perfect for gifting or for indulging in during the holiday season.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl, sift together the pastry flour, all purpose flour, and salt.
2.Add in the shortening until the mixture forms small, pea-sized crumbles.
3.In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
4.Gradually add the sugar mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until the dough forms a ball.
5.Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll each piece out into a rectangle.
6.Mix together the chopped walnuts and ground raisins and spread evenly on one of the rectangles.
7.Place the second rectangle on top and cut into small cookies with a sharp knife or cookie cutter.
8.Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350°F.
9.Optional: Mix together powdered sugar, vanilla, and water to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

PROS

These Italian Christmas Cookies are extremely flavorful and can be customized with various fillings according to personal preferences.

They are perfect for holiday gatherings and for sharing with loved ones.

CONS

These cookies can come out a bit dry if over-baked and may not be suitable for those avoiding sugar and gluten due to the high flour content.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

These cookies are not particularly healthy and should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat during the holiday season.
The walnuts in this recipe are a great source of heart-healthy fats and protein, while the raisins add a dose of antioxidants to the recipe. However, these benefits are largely outweighed by the high sugar and flour content of the recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.