Creating Italian Christmas cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to bring your festive treats to life:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
5. Add Milk: Stir in the milk until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
6. Shape the Cookies: Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with a little milk until you reach a smooth consistency. Divide into separate bowls if you want to color the icing.
10. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small brush to decorate with icing. Add sprinkles or colored sugar for an extra festive touch.

These steps will guide you through the process of making delicious Italian Christmas cookies that everyone will adore.