There is something truly magical about sharing a batch of homemade Italian Christmas Cookies during the holiday season. This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe brings together a tender, buttery dough lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, finished with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Each cookie melts in your mouth and feels like a warm holiday hug, perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Get ready to create a classic treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect cookie. From the richness of softened butter to the sweet balance of powdered sugar glaze, every component contributes to the flavor, texture, and festive look of this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for a tender, soft cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich creaminess that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and gives the cookies structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor that feels like home.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that makes these cookies uniquely Italian.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay light and tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used to make a silky glaze that adds a glossy finish.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for dipping.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Brings festive color and a fun crunch to each cookie.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when the cookies are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, giving you perfectly shaped cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that will keep your cookies tender and soft — the hallmark of a great Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This slow incorporation ensures a smooth dough without any lumps. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, inviting those classic holiday flavors to infuse every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until everything is just combined. Over-mixing can make your cookies tough, so gentle mixing is key to maintaining that delicate crumb.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet—about 2 inches apart—to give them room to spread. Then, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to create the perfect cookie shape that will bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until their edges turn a light golden color. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is where the cookies firm up without losing their softness inside.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a shiny glaze. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze, then sprinkle with festive decorations. Allow the glaze to set completely before indulging in the sweet, festive joy of your homemade Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the glaze and sprinkles already make these cookies shine, consider adding chopped pistachios or finely chopped dried cranberries for an extra festive touch and a little texture contrast. Edible glitter or colored sanding sugar also makes them sparkle at any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a warm cup of espresso, hot cocoa, or mulled wine. Their sweet nuttiness pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy drinks that enhance the almond and vanilla flavors in the recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a beautiful holiday platter with fresh rosemary sprigs or holly leaves for a natural pop of green. You could also package them in pretty tins or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for gifting to loved ones—everyone will appreciate the homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to one week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy or share this classic recipe after baking.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply pop them on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time for a fresh, homemade taste anytime.
Reheating
To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This will soften them just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have any?
Yes! If almond extract is unavailable, you can use an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract, or try a drop of anise extract for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Are Italian Christmas Cookies gluten-free friendly?
This classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The glaze generally sets within 30 minutes at room temperature. To speed things up, place the cookies in the fridge for about 15 minutes, and the glaze will firm up nicely.
Can I make these cookies without decorating the glaze?
Absolutely! The cookies taste wonderful plain or simply dusted with powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet option or want a more rustic look.
What’s the best way to ensure my cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake your cookies; they should be very lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven. Proper storage in an airtight container also helps maintain their softness.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe has been a heartwarming addition to my holiday traditions, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too. The blend of simple ingredients, tender texture, and festive glaze make it a true joy to bake and share. I encourage you to try it this season—you might just find yourself reaching for the recipe every year!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These classic Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. Perfectly tender with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, they make a delightful holiday treat for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with classic Italian cookie flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, then slightly flatten each one using the bottom of a glass to achieve an even shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze and Decorate: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a simple glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set fully before serving to ensure the decorations stick and the glaze firms up.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
