No mixer is needed for this grandma's peppery, walnut-studded Italian Christmas cookies that combine a spicy flavor with a sweet, citrus glaze.
Preparation Time
25 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Calories
114 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, pepper, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves for cookies together into a large bowl.
Step 3
Place shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spoon.
Step 4
Add milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla; mix with a spoon to combine. Add raisins, chopped walnuts, and finely chopped walnuts and mix with your hands to combine. Roll dough into small balls and set 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5
Bake in batches in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Step 6
Prepare glaze while cookies cool. Place confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Add milk, orange juice, and orange zest and mix until smooth.
Step 7
Brush glaze onto cooled cookies or spread with a spoon. Decorate with sprinkles.
Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ cup cocoa powder
¾ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange juice
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons multi-colored sprinkles, or to taste (Optional)
