Joyful Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe for Festive Baking

Soft, pillowy Italian Christmas cookies have been a cherished tradition in my home since childhood.

My nonna taught me this delightful recipe passed down through generations.

Each bite brings memories of cozy kitchens and festive laughter.

Sweet almond and vanilla notes dance across your palate with every tender morsel.

These melt-in-your-mouth treats promise to become an instant holiday favorite.

Delicate powdered sugar coating adds a magical winter wonderland touch.

Come bake these nostalgic cookies and create your own delicious memories.

All About Italian Christmas Cookies

• What makes these Italian Christmas Cookies special?

These cookies are a traditional holiday treat that brings warmth and nostalgia. They’re soft, delicate, and perfectly sweet, with a classic Italian bakery-style glaze and festive sprinkles that make them a must-have during Christmas celebrations.

• Can I use different extracts in the recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for vanilla and almond extracts, you can experiment with other flavors like lemon or anise extract to add a unique twist to the traditional cookie. Just keep the measurement the same for best results.

• Why do the cookies need to be soft and not overly browned?

The key to authentic Italian Christmas Cookies is their tender, cake-like texture. Overbaking will make them dry and tough, so watch them carefully and remove from the oven when the bottoms are just lightly golden. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s true to the Italian cookie tradition.

• Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! These cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare. The recipe is straightforward, requiring basic mixing and baking skills. Even novice bakers can create these delicious treats with a little patience and attention to detail.

Why Italian Christmas Cookies Are Holiday Favorites

• Festive Holiday Charm: Capture the magic of Italian Christmas traditions with these delightful, soft cookies that bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings.
• Quick and Easy Delight: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy home bakers who want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Treat for All Ages: Enjoy the mild, sweet flavor and soft texture that appeals to both kids and adults, making these cookies a crowd-pleasing dessert for family celebrations and gatherings.
• Simple Decorative Fun: Get creative with colorful sprinkles and smooth glaze, turning baking into an enjoyable activity that allows everyone to add a personal touch to these classic Italian treats.

What You’ll Need For Italian Christmas Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie's soft texture, all-purpose flour works best.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, fresh baking powder ensures good lift.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, fine table salt recommended.

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that creates rich, tender cookies, use softened unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, large eggs work perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provide classic Italian cookie flavor, pure extracts offer best taste.
• Milk: Adds softness and helps blend ingredients, whole milk preferred.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla or Almond Extract: Creates smooth, sweet glaze that coats cookies, adjust consistency as needed.
• Sprinkles: Adds festive color and traditional Italian holiday look, choose classic rainbow or white sprinkles.

How To Make Italian Christmas Cookies Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with sugar. Whip them together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness. This should take about 2-3 minutes of energetic mixing.

Step 4: Bring in the Wet Ingredients

Time to add some moisture! Crack in the eggs one by one, giving each a thorough beating. Pour in vanilla and almond extracts for that classic holiday flavor punch.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Pour in milk between flour additions. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Delights

Scoop out the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Roll into adorable little balls. Place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms turn a gentle golden color. The cookies should stay soft and pale – no deep browning allowed! Once done, transfer to wire racks for cooling.

Step 8: Whip Up a Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla or almond extract

Stir until smooth and glossy. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 9: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

Dunk the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on wire racks and immediately shower with festive sprinkles. Let the glaze set completely before serving.

Pro Tip: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just spreading some sweet Christmas joy!

Tips For Soft Italian Christmas Cookies

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, creamy texture without melting.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Add milk or powdered sugar gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling thickness for an even, glossy cookie coating.
• Prevent Cookie Spreading: Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help cookies maintain their round shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Sprinkle Strategy: Apply decorative sprinkles immediately after glazing while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick perfectly to the cookie surface.
• Storage Secret: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

How To Store Italian Christmas Cookies The Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store glazed cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them away from other strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
• Reheat: Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their soft texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
• Revive: If cookies become slightly stale, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

Tasty Drinks To Enjoy With Italian Christmas Cookies

• Sip Sweet Espresso: Pair these delicate Italian Christmas cookies with a shot of rich, dark espresso. The bold coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfect balance that transports you straight to an Italian café.
• Complement with Creamy Moscato: Pour a chilled glass of sweet Moscato wine alongside these festive treats. Its light, fruity notes and gentle bubbles dance beautifully with the cookie's delicate glaze and soft texture.
• Enhance with Amaretto Liqueur: Drizzle a small glass of smooth amaretto liqueur to elevate the cookie experience. The almond-flavored spirit echoes the extract in the cookies, creating a harmonious and indulgent pairing.
• Serve with Vanilla Chai Tea: Brew a warm mug of vanilla chai tea that complements the cookie's subtle sweetness. The aromatic spices and creamy undertones provide a cozy, comforting companion to these delightful holiday treats.

Fun Ways To Change Italian Christmas Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Crunch: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, sweet variation. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the glaze for extra texture and flavor.
• Citrus Zest Surprise: Mix in orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing taste. Top with citrus-flavored glaze and light, colorful sprinkles.
• Spiced Winter Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the cookie dough. Finish with a brown sugar glaze and festive holiday sprinkles.
• Nutty Sensation: Fold finely chopped almonds or pistachios directly into the cookie dough. Use a corresponding nut-infused glaze and garnish with toasted nut pieces.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 36 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of childhood come alive with these classic Italian Christmas Cookies, blending generations of family tradition and delicate flavors. Powdered sugar-dusted delights will transport you to festive kitchens in Italy, where love and warmth are baked into every tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsel.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze and Decoration:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a cozy 350F (175C), then line baking sheets with protective parchment or silicone mats.
2. Create a delicate dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, setting this foundation aside for later incorporation.
3. Transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, airy mixture by vigorously beating them until they become light and voluminous, roughly 2-3 minutes of dedicated mixing.
4. Gently introduce eggs into the creamy base, incorporating them individually with careful strokes, then infuse the blend with vanilla and almond extracts for aromatic depth.
5. Marry the dry and wet components by gradually folding the flour mixture into the liquid ingredients, alternating with milk to create a soft, cohesive dough that promises tender cookies.
6. Craft petite spheres of dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, strategically positioning them on prepared baking sheets with generous spacing to allow graceful expansion.
7. Nestle the cookie formation into the warm oven, allowing them to transform for 10-12 minutes until their bottoms acquire a delicate golden hue, maintaining their characteristic soft texture.
8. Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and extract, adjusting the consistency to achieve a smooth, glossy finish that will crown your delicate treats.
9. Baptize each cooled cookie by gently dipping its surface into the glaze, allowing excess to cascade away, then immediately adorn with a playful sprinkle shower, permitting the glaze to set into a pristine, festive finish.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Use high-quality vanilla and almond extracts to elevate the cookie’s delicate flavor profile.
• Keep cookie sizes consistent for uniform baking and professional presentation.
• Glaze cookies immediately after cooling to prevent hardening and ensure maximum coverage.
• Replace almond extract with additional vanilla for nut-free dietary needs.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure.
• For a festive twist, swap white sprinkles with red and green holiday varieties.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment layers to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
• Reduce sugar by 25% if preferring less sweetness without compromising texture.
• Use a piping bag for more precise and decorative glaze application.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 36
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg