If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, nothing warms the heart quite like a batch of classic Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. These tender, buttery treats are beautifully simple but packed with cozy flavors like vanilla and almond, finished off with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Whether you’re making them for family gatherings or gifting to friends, these cookies are a joyous tradition that will fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe starts with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays an essential role, from the rich butter that ensures tenderness to the almond extract that adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the edges.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Offers richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients, keeping the cookies soft and moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that enhances the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Gives a subtle nutty essence that makes these cookies distinctly Italian.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to just the right fluffiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Key for the glaze, providing a smooth, sweet finish.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Thins out the powdered sugar to the perfect glaze consistency.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Adds a festive pop of color and fun.
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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake perfectly. This simple step saves you cleanup later, which is always a win during the busy holiday season.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, resulting in cookies that are tender with a slight crunch on the edges—absolutely addictive.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract, in particular, is the secret ingredient that gives this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe its signature, nostalgic flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add this dry blend to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies delightfully soft.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them at least 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass—this helps them bake evenly into those classic round shapes everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is essential to keep the cookies from breaking when you move them.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make the glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then sprinkle with your colorful sprinkles. Let the glaze set completely – this adds just the right amount of sweetness and festive charm.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While classic sprinkles are a must for that traditional festive look, feel free to add crushed nuts, tiny edible pearls, or even edible glitter for that extra holiday sparkle. Each garnish adds a personalized touch and an extra layer of flavor or texture to your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or even a robust espresso. The slight sweetness and almond notes make them excellent companions to drinks that cut through sugar with some warmth and bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, arrange these cookies in a festive tin with layers of parchment paper, or stack them in clear cellophane Christmas bags tied with a satin ribbon. You can also create a beautiful cookie platter with other holiday treats to impress your guests and share the joy of this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe with everyone around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them over several days without worrying about losing their signature softness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a sealed bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked and glazed cookies in a single layer before storing in a container; thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To freshen your cookies after a few days, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This awakens their soft texture without melting the glaze or sprinkles, bringing back that just-baked charm every time.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture for this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe, but if you need a substitute, margarine can work. Just remember it might change the taste slightly and the texture could be a bit less tender.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you’re out of almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The cookies will still be delicious, but they won’t have that distinct nutty note characteristic of the original recipe.
How long do these cookies stay good?
Properly stored in an airtight container, these cookies keep well at room temperature for about one week, maintaining their softness and delightful flavor throughout.
Can I use different sprinkles or toppings?
Absolutely! The sprinkles are there to add festive color, but you can switch things up with colored sugars, mini chocolate chips, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a twist on the traditional toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for children to make?
Yes! This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is straightforward and safe for kids to help with, especially rolling the dough and decorating the cookies with glaze and sprinkles. It’s a fun holiday activity to get everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly special to have an Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe that combines simplicity and tradition so beautifully. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a way to create lasting holiday memories. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find the joy of baking and sharing these delightful cookies makes the festive season all the more magical.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, these cookies are topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them an irresistible addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add eggs and extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass to achieve the classic cookie shape.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set 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. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, decorate with sprinkles, and let the glaze set before serving for a festive finish.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract if preferred.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming and texture.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
