If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that truly captures the heart and warmth of the holiday season, look no further than this delightful Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies are wonderfully soft with a delicate almond and vanilla aroma, glazed with sweet icing and topped with colorful sprinkles that bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe feels like a cozy holiday hug you’ll want to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward these irresistible cookies. Each component plays an important role in providing texture, moisture, and flavor, making the baking process straightforward and the results absolutely rewarding.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, giving the cookies their tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that beautiful golden edge.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, familiar aroma that’s essential in Christmas baking.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty depth that makes this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe uniquely delightful.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes each cookie with a shiny, festive touch.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Sprinkles for decoration: For that extra sparkle and holiday cheer on top.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures the perfect baking environment. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This simple prep sets the stage for your cookies to come out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Combine the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The creaming process traps air which helps the cookies rise just right.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
One at a time, add the eggs into your creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These two extracts work together perfectly, creating the classic, aromatic flavor that distinguishes this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe from the ordinary.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, gently folding until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands for a consistent size. Place them 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading. Flatten each dough ball lightly with your palm or a glass bottom. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for golden edges that tell you they’re perfectly done. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a luscious glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into this glaze, then sprinkle festive decorations on top. The glaze adds a sweet, shiny finish and keeps the cookies charmingly festive – perfect to wow your family and guests.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though the colorful sprinkles are traditional and bring instant cheer, you can also experiment with crushed nuts or edible glitter for a personalized touch. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but enhance the texture and flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of espresso or hot cocoa, creating a cozy holiday moment around the kitchen table. If serving at a party, consider alongside some fresh fruit or a cheese platter to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe on tiered platters or decorative tins for gifting. Wrapping small batches in cellophane tied with ribbons transforms these humble treats into thoughtful presents that keep the holiday spirit alive far beyond the baking day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and to keep the glaze intact, preserving their festive look and perfect texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these delightful cookies later, freeze baked and fully glazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, making them a fantastic make-ahead holiday treat.
Reheating
For best enjoyment, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature. If you like them a little warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes, but be careful not to melt the glaze. This gentle warming revives their tender crumb and comforting aromas.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
Absolutely! While almond extract gives these cookies their classic flavor, you can substitute with an extra 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or even a hint of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by pulsing granulated sugar in a blender until fine and powdery. This homemade option works well in a pinch.
How do I keep the cookies soft and not crunchy?
Use softened butter and do not overbake. The cookies should come out with golden edges but still look slightly underdone in the center before cooling. The residual heat finishes the baking gently.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain wonderfully festive.
Are these cookies suitable for making ahead for holiday parties?
Definitely. You can prepare, bake, glaze, and store the cookies days in advance. They keep well and actually taste even better after resting for a day or two, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Nothing warms the spirit quite like sharing a batch of these gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe creations. They’re deceptively simple to make, incredibly tasty, and bursting with festive cheer that will light up any holiday gathering. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved tradition in your kitchen too.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, buttery cookies flavored with vanilla and almond extracts are baked to golden perfection, then glazed with a sweet powdered sugar icing and adorned with colorful sprinkles. This easy-to-make recipe yields a generous batch that’s ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a tender, airy texture in the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until the batter is fully combined, infusing the dough with rich flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball to help achieve an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and Decorate: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then immediately decorate with colorful sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing the cookies to keep the decoration intact.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the glaze to reach desired consistency—thicker glaze for coating, thinner for drizzling.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a nut-free version, you can omit almond extract or substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
