If you’re dreaming of a sweet, tender treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit, look no further than this heartwarming Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together a delightful blend of buttery richness and hints of vanilla and almond, topped with a glossy sugary glaze and cheerful sprinkles that make every bite feel like a holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking to share or savoring on your own, this classic recipe offers simple steps and ingredients that yield irresistibly soft cookies, perfect for spreading joy during the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients ensures your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe comes out perfectly every time. Each component adds its own magic—flour provides structure, butter brings tenderness, and the extracts give those signature warm, festive notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, tender cookies with just the right crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and ensures that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses classic warmth and sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Gives a distinctive, festive aroma and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides a gentle rise, keeping cookies light.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the smooth, glossy glaze that crowns each cookie beautifully.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for dipping perfection.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Adds cheerful color and festive flair.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to tender, delicate cookies that practically melt on your tongue.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain a smooth batter, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These extracts deliver the classic festive flavor that makes this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe so memorable.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be delicate.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges take on a gentle golden hue. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then decorate immediately with colorful sprinkles. The glaze will set to a shiny finish that’s delightful to bite into.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe extra festive, consider festive garnishes like red and green sprinkles or edible glitter. For an extra touch of elegance, finely chopped pistachios or silver dragees can transform your cookie platter into a dazzling holiday centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside rich Italian coffee, a velvety hot chocolate, or a spiced holiday tea. Their buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with warm, comforting beverages, making every bite feel cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies on a decorative holiday platter, nestled amongst pine branches or holly for a rustic seasonal look. You can also wrap a batch in colorful cellophane tied with a festive ribbon to share the warmth of this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe as a delightful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Italian Christmas Cookies stay fresh and tender for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to keep the glaze intact and prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze unglazed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked, glazed cookies between sheets of parchment paper.
Reheating
Gently warm cookies in a low oven for a few minutes if you prefer them slightly soft and fresh-tasting, but avoid using the microwave as it can make them too soft or soggy. This way, your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe cookies maintain their perfect texture every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
Yes! If you’re out of almond extract, a bit more vanilla extract can work, or try a subtle pinch of amaretto liqueur for a similar nutty flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the dough.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking, but results might vary slightly in texture.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and using a dairy-free milk alternative for the glaze, you can enjoy these cookies without dairy. The flavor will remain just as festive and delicious.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, check that your butter isn’t too soft or melted before mixing. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain their shape.
Can I use other types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with colors and shapes that suit your holiday theme. Nonpareils, sanding sugar, or even chopped nuts make wonderful toppers for this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking classic Italian Christmas cookies with friends and family in the kitchen. This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is a beautiful blend of tradition, simplicity, and festive cheer that will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into making some magic with these sweet, tender cookies—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery treats flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, perfect for festive celebrations. Topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles, they bring a delightful crunch and festive appearance to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
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 prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or spoon until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps aerate the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure proper mixing, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined for enhanced flavor.
- Combine 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, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball with your palm or a utensil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and Decorate: Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then immediately decorate with sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough texture.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the glaze to reach your preferred consistency.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almond extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
