If you’re searching for a delightful treat to add warmth and sweetness to your holiday celebrations, this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is the one to try. These cookies bring together a perfect blend of buttery richness, subtle almond notes, and a glossy sugar glaze that is festive and irresistible. Each bite offers a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making them an absolute must-have for any holiday cookie platter. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved tradition everyone looks forward to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each element is essential for contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic festive appearance everyone loves.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and that soft, tender crumb we adore in these cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness to complement the buttery dough.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures the cookies stay rich and moist without overpowering flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding a slight fluffiness to the final texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm aroma and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty essence that’s signature to Italian holiday cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, airy feel.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Key for the smooth, shiny glaze that crowns each cookie.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusted to achieve the perfect consistency for glazing.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Adds a festive pop of color and whimsy to the finished cookies.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep saves you from sticky situations later and ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost creamy. This step is crucial to build a tender cookie with just the right texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse your dough with those beloved holiday aromas.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into your wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The goal here is just enough blending to keep the cookies tender without becoming tough.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, luscious glaze. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and then quickly sprinkle with festive decorations before the glaze sets. This final touch adds not only sweetness but also that charming, holiday-ready sparkle.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Besides sprinkles, consider adding crushed pistachios or a light dusting of cinnamon on the glaze for an extra layer of flavor which pairs beautifully with the almond essence. Edible gold dust can also give these cookies a luxurious feel for special holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies make an excellent companion to a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or rich hot chocolate. Their mild sweetness also works wonderfully with fresh fruit platters or a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and nuts, creating a festive balance of savory and sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe on a holiday-themed platter, layering them with candy canes and holly sprigs to enhance the festive spirit. Wrapping them in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon also makes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them great for prepping ahead of holiday parties or gift-giving.
Freezing
You can freeze these Italian Christmas Cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When sealed well, they keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to preserve that tender texture.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies, warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will gently soften the glaze without melting it, bringing back that freshly baked glow and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While almond flour adds wonderful flavor, it changes the texture and structure significantly. For this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe, all-purpose flour is best to achieve the classic tender yet sturdy cookie.
Do I have to use almond extract?
The almond extract is a key flavor note in these cookies, but if you’re allergic or prefer not to use it, vanilla alone will still produce a delicious treat, though the flavor will be less traditional.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You might need to adjust baking times slightly to get the best texture.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating with royal icing?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a simple glaze, you can swap it for royal icing if you want more intricate, colorful designs perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.
How long do the glazed cookies last fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies remain fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for early holiday preparation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. It’s a simple gesture that fills your home with festive cheer and delicious aromas. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a treasured holiday classic. Give it a go this season—you won’t regret it!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies that are soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. These festive cookies are easy to make and decorated with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a good texture for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until everything is fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and Decorate: Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then decorate with sprinkles as desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
