Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk

For the Icing:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons skim milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Assorted nonpareils or colored sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

For the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Icing:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, skim milk, and almond extract until smooth.
2. Dip the tops of each cookie into the icing and allow any excess to drip off.
3. Place cookies on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils or colored sprinkles before the icing sets.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, values may vary):

• Calories: Approximately 70 kcal per cookie
• Weight Watchers SmartPoints: Approximately 3 SmartPoints per cookie (values may vary)

Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences or specific Weight Watchers plans.