🇮🇹 Gourmet Italian Panettone-Inspired Christmas Cookies (Elegant & Aromatic!) – Viral Potential Score (VPS): 86

Ingredients

• • 2 ⅞ cups all-purpose flour
• • 1 ⅞ tsp baking powder
• • ⅞ tsp salt
• • 1 ⅞ cup unsalted butter, softened
• • ⅞ cup granulated sugar
• • 2 ⅞ large eggs, at room temperature
• • 1 ⅞ tsp vanilla extract
• • ⅞ cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
• • ⅞ cup raisins
• • ⅞ cup rum (optional)
• • Zest of 1 orange
• • Zest of 1 lemon
• • ⅞ tsp ground cinnamon
• • ⅞ tsp ground nutmeg
• • ⅞ tsp ground cardamom
• • ⅞ tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

3. 3

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in candied orange peel, raisins, and rum.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine orange zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Mix into the dough.

5. 5

   Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Flatten slightly with a fork.

8. 8

   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.