If you’re dreaming of holiday baking that fills your kitchen with warmth and tradition, this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, tender cookies glazed with a sweet vanilla icing and topped with colorful sprinkles capture the festive spirit perfectly while offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re revisiting a cherished family classic or discovering it for the first time, these cookies bring that irresistible combination of simple ingredients and heartfelt flavor to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building those tender, flavorful bites. You’ll love how uncomplicated pantry staples come together to create something truly special.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough providing structure and that perfect cookie chew.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s nice and soft!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the vanilla and almond notes.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies a rich texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings that warm, classic flavor we all love in holiday treats.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Offers a subtle nutty depth to set these cookies apart.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Softens the dough for easy rolling and tender cookies.
- For the glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, colorful holiday sprinkles — all the magic for that festive shine and extra sweetness!
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick. Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl—this step keeps your dry ingredients perfectly combined for consistent texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This really helps create those delicate, melt-in-your-mouth layers in your cookies. It’s worth spending a few minutes here for the fluffiest dough possible.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; this helps incorporate air and keeps your dough light. Then mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk for the wonderful aroma and moist texture unique to these Italian Christmas cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms, but be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough. The soft dough is perfect for rolling into balls.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms turn a light golden color but the tops remain pale. This timing helps keep them soft inside while having just a hint of crisp edges.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Once slightly cooled on the pan, transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of your cooled cookies into the glaze, return them to the rack, and quickly sprinkle with colorful holiday decorations before the glaze sets. Let them sit until the icing hardens—this finishing touch brings the signature festive look and a sweet, shiny glaze.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe, the colorful holiday sprinkles aren’t just festive—they add a fun crunch and visual pop that makes these treats perfect for holiday gatherings. For a twist, consider crushed pistachios or edible glitter for sparkle and subtle nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with classic warm beverages like spiced eggnog, rich hot chocolate, or even a robust cup of Italian espresso to balance their sweet softness. Adding fresh fruit or a cheese platter alongside can round out your holiday dessert spread wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a decorative holiday platter or tiered tray for a charming centerpiece. Wrapping a stack in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon makes for a thoughtful homemade gift, perfect for cookie exchanges or hostess presents during this season of sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay soft and fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them away from heat or moisture will preserve their tender texture and delicious glaze.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after glazing by placing them on a baking sheet until the glaze hardens, then transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—ideal for prepping holiday treats early.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes if you want to refresh their softness. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the glaze and alter the cookie’s texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
Absolutely! You can use lemon or anise extract for a fun flavor twist that still complements the vanilla and buttery dough beautifully in this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Do these cookies stay soft or get crunchy?
These cookies are known for their soft, tender texture that lasts for days when stored properly, making them a favorite for those who love a melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You could try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix, but keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly from the original recipe.
Is there a way to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The cookie might have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still taste delicious.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The glaze typically hardens within 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature, depending on humidity. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before dipping to get a smooth, firm finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe—it’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create joyful, festive moments in your kitchen and on your table. I encourage you to bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and make these cookies a sweet tradition that fills your holiday season with warmth and cheer.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, tender vanilla-flavored treats perfect for the holiday season. They feature a delicate glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, making them festive and ideal for gifting or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Colorful holiday 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 promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer or by hand, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk to add flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep the cookies tender.
- Form and Bake Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting milk quantity to achieve a dip-able consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, return to the wire rack, and immediately sprinkle with colorful holiday sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Allow Glaze to Harden: Let the glaze harden completely on the cookies before storing them to avoid smudging or stickiness.
Notes
- For a fun variation, substitute almond extract with lemon or anise extract for a different flavor profile.
- These cookies stay soft and tender for days, making them perfect for gifting or cookie exchanges.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
