If you’re looking to bring a touch of warmth, sweetness, and tradition to your holiday celebrations, this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Soft, lightly golden, and lovingly glazed with a smooth vanilla icing and festive sprinkles, these cookies bring together the simplicity of pure ingredients with the magic of Italian flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, giving a perfect balance of almond and vanilla undertones that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own festive indulgence, these cookies capture the heart and soul of Italian holiday baking in every single piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these beautifully simple ingredients is all you need to create a batch of delightful Italian Christmas Cookies. Each component plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and that lovely soft crumb these treats are known for.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the cookies rise just right for softness with a delicate crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor note, balancing sweetness and richness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to the light, airy texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Gives the cookies a rich, creamy mouthfeel and golden color.
- Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and add moisture for softness.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with a warm, familiar aroma.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle but distinct nutty flavor signature to Italian holiday cookies.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the glaze, ensuring a silky smooth and sweet finish.
- Milk (3–4 tablespoons): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant note to the glaze, tying the cookie flavors together.
- Assorted sprinkles (1/4 cup): Brings festive color and crunch to your glazed cookies.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to mix those dry ingredients thoroughly. This step ensures your cookies will rise evenly and have a balanced flavor with the perfect touch of salt.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This process incorporates air to help your cookies achieve a tender texture, so take your time here and watch it transform into a beautiful base for your dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep everything smooth and unified. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, which lend that unmistakably comforting aroma and flavor characteristic of Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. The blend of vanilla and almond really makes these cookies special.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the goal is a tender dough that’s easy to shape but not tough. This balance is key to the traditional soft texture we’re after.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about an inch apart so they have room to bake evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms develop a light golden hue while the tops stay pale and soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack—this keeps them from overbaking and keeps that delightful chewy tenderness.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Dip each cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off to avoid pooling. Immediately sprinkle with your colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets, adding that extra festive charm and slight crunch that will impress everyone.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look gorgeous topped with an assortment of festive sprinkles that add visual sparkle and a tiny crisp texture against the melt-in-your-mouth softness of the cookie itself. You can also try crushed pistachios or finely chopped candied fruit for a unique holiday twist that keeps the Italian tradition alive.
Side Dishes
Italian Christmas Cookies are perfectly paired with a hot cup of espresso, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of sweet vin santo for an authentic Italian holiday experience. Their light sweetness and delicate almond flavor complement warm beverages wonderfully, making any holiday gathering feel cozy and special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a large festive platter stacked in a circular pattern or nestled among holly and pine sprigs to create a beautiful centerpiece. For gifting, wrap them in cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon or place them in decorative tins with layers of parchment paper. Presentation will brighten any holiday setting and delight those lucky enough to enjoy them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and completely cooled, store your Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout your holiday celebrations without any rush.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully if you want to prepare in advance. Place the unglazed dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, then glaze freshly cooled cookies for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since Italian Christmas Cookies are best served at room temperature, simply allow frozen or refrigerated cookies to thaw completely before glazing or serving. If you want to warm them slightly, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but avoid overheating as it can toughen the soft crumb.
FAQs
Can I omit the almond extract?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds that classic Italian flavor, you can omit it if you have allergies or simply prefer a more subtle taste. The cookies will still be delicious with just vanilla extract, though a touch of almond adds a lovely depth.
Why do the cookies stay pale on top?
The tops of Italian Christmas Cookies remain pale intentionally to preserve their soft, tender texture. The bottoms brown slightly for that subtle golden crispness, but the contrast in color is part of what makes them so charming and unique.
How can I make thicker cookies?
If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping and baking. This firmer dough holds its shape better and yields a pleasantly plump cookie that still stays soft inside.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results might vary as gluten is important for texture in this recipe.
Can I decorate with other icing besides the glaze?
Definitely! You can switch up the glaze with colored royal icing or melted chocolate for a different texture and look. Just keep in mind that the classic glaze is part of what makes these cookies a traditional holiday favorite with that shiny, sweet finish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe during the holidays. Its soft texture, fragrant almond and vanilla flavors, and bright festive glaze make it a timeless treat that brings joy and comfort with every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it and let these cookies become a cherished part of your own holiday traditions.
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
Delight in these classic Italian Christmas Cookies, soft and tender treats glazed with a sweet vanilla icing and adorned with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies combine a delicate almond and vanilla flavor with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 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
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, incorporating air to help create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to infuse the dough with rich flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into smooth balls. Place them evenly spaced, about an inch apart, on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating they are perfectly baked to maintain softness.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before glazing to ensure the icing adheres properly.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable to create a sweet, glossy coating.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with assorted sprinkles before the glaze sets to add a festive touch.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can increase the almond extract for a more pronounced almond flavor or omit it if you prefer a milder taste.
- Glazed cookies should be stored in an airtight container and will keep fresh for up to 5 days.
