Nothing says festive like a batch of tender, fragrant Italian Christmas Cookies fresh from your oven. This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe captures the heart of holiday baking with soft, buttery cookies kissed by almond and vanilla, then topped with a sweet, glossy glaze and colorful sprinkles. Every bite offers that perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth softness and joyful sweetness that makes them a beloved tradition for families year after year. If you’re looking to fill your holiday table with warmth and cheer, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, subtle flavor, and festive look of these Italian Christmas cookies. With simple pantry staples and a few flavor enhancers, you’ll have everything needed to whip up a batch that tastes like a holiday hug.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and gentle chewiness.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Gives the cookies their light, tender crumb by helping them rise just right.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds that essential sweetness and helps create the cookie’s beautiful texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings rich flavor and keeps the cookies so wonderfully soft.
- Large eggs (3): Provide moisture and help bind the dough for that perfect soft bite.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Adds tenderness and a hint of creaminess to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that brightens every bite.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Gives that classic Italian cookie note – nutty and slightly fragrant.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the silky glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
- Milk (3–4 tablespoons): Used to thin the glaze to just the right consistency for dipping.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Enhances glaze flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Assorted sprinkles (1/4 cup): The fun, festive touch that makes these cookies sparkle and smile-worthy.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup so your cookies come out flawless every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first ensures even distribution, which means your cookies will have that perfect tender crumb with no surprises.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air that helps create a delicate texture, making the cookies soft yet slightly chewy — classic qualities in this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
One at a time, beat in each egg thoroughly. Then stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. These liquids and extracts add moisture and that unmistakable warm aroma that makes these cookies truly special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will be tender yet manageable — just right for rolling into small balls, which is key for these charming little cookies.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop even portions of dough and roll each into smooth balls. Place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets so they have room to bake without merging together.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden bottoms while keeping the tops pale and soft. This subtle difference in color is that perfect indicator that they’re baked just right, maintaining their classic soft texture.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply Glaze
While your cookies cool completely on a wire rack, whisk powdered sugar with 3 to 4 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Dip each cookie into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Before the glaze sets, sprinkle on your assorted sprinkles — this festive touch makes these cookies shine on any holiday tray.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the most delightful garnish here, adding color, texture, and that irresistible holiday cheer. You can choose classic red and green, gold dust, or even snowflake shapes to match your festive theme. A light dusting of powdered sugar after glazing is another beautiful option for a snowy finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a sweet pleasure on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a spiced holiday tea elevates the experience. They make a charming companion for desserts like panna cotta or alongside a platter of cheeses and fruits for a diverse holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe on a tiered serving platter or nestled in decorative holiday tins for gift-giving. Tying small stacks with festive ribbons or surrounding them with fresh pine sprigs adds a lovely seasonal touch that will wow guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and wonderfully soft for up to 5 days, making them perfect for planning ahead during busy holiday seasons.
Freezing
If you want to make them well in advance, freeze the dough before baking or the baked cookies after glazing. For dough, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For baked cookies, freeze individually on parchment, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags up to 2 months.
Reheating
Italian Christmas Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, pop a few in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the glaze soften excessively, but gentle warming can revive their tender texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe without almond extract?
Absolutely! If you or your family prefer to skip almond extract, simply omit it or add a touch more vanilla extract to keep that lovely flavor depth. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and buttery.
How do I get the glaze just right for dipping?
The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too thin. Start with 3 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed to reach that consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon and drip slowly so the cookies get a nice even coat.
What’s the best way to shape these cookies?
Rolling tablespoon-sized portions into smooth balls with your hands helps achieve the classic soft cookie shape. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for 20 minutes makes it easier to handle and results in thicker cookies.
Can I use a different kind of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal balance of structure and tenderness. Using cake flour may make the cookies too delicate, while bread flour could make them tougher. For best results, stick with all-purpose flour.
How long can I store glazed Italian Christmas Cookies at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, the glazed cookies keep their softness and flavor beautifully for up to 5 days at room temperature, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking Italian Christmas Cookies with your loved ones, watching them transform from simple dough balls into sweet, glowing delights perfect for sharing. This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is a warm invitation to embrace holiday traditions, fill your kitchen with love, and create memories one soft, glazed bite at a time. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it a part of your festive celebrations — it’s a delicious way to spread joy and sweetness all season long.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, lightly glazed traditional holiday treats bursting with vanilla and almond flavors. Perfectly tender with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles, they make delightful festive desserts or gifts for family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Glaze and Decoration
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine all the dry components evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each. Then, stir in the whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overworking it.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them smoothly into balls. Place each ball about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cookie bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale and soft. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable for a sweet, glossy finish.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off then immediately sprinkle with assorted sprinkles before the glaze sets, creating a festive look.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading.
- Adjust almond extract amount as desired for stronger or milder almond flavor.
- These glazed cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
