Name: Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483952H34M36S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; Sprinkles for decoration

The holiday season is the perfect time to bake up a batch of these delicious Italian Christmas Cookies! They’re soft, buttery, and topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles—perfect for adding that extra bit of joy to your Christmas celebrations. These cookies are also easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

If you love the flavors of vanilla and almond, these cookies will become a new favorite in your home. So, let’s dive into the recipe that brings holiday cheer to life, one bite at a time!

Contents show

Why You’ll Love These Italian Christmas Cookies

These cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—light, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla and almond flavor! Not to mention, they’re super fun to decorate with family or friends. Here’s why you should give them a try:

Simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry already!
Quick to make: Ready in just under 30 minutes.
Customizable: You can easily swap out sprinkles for different holidays or occasions.
Classic festive flavor: A perfect balance of vanilla and almond extracts that will remind you of cozy holiday moments.

What Do Italian Christmas Cookies Taste Like?

These cookies have a delightful soft, cake-like texture with a slightly crisp edge. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives them a warm, fragrant aroma and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the powdered sugar glaze on top. The sprinkles add a touch of color and crunch, making them not just delicious but also festive-looking on your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles for decoration

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack for cooling
Small whisk or fork for mixing glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Christmas Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These extracts bring the signature Italian cookie flavor to life!

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense cookies.

5. Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball slightly.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. You don’t want them to brown too much. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Glaze and Decorate

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze and sprinkle immediately with your choice of festive sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.

What to Serve with Italian Christmas Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of eggnog. You could also serve them alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread men or shortbread cookies for a fun cookie platter. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges too!

Tips for the Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies

Don’t overmix the dough: To keep the cookies light and soft, mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Chill the dough (optional): If your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.
Customize the glaze: For a more festive flair, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze to match your holiday theme!

Storage Instructions

Store your Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (without glaze) for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them, add the glaze, and decorate with sprinkles.

Helpful Tips

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for about 15-20 minutes before shaping.
Glaze Setting: Make sure to let the glaze fully set before stacking or packaging the cookies to avoid smudging.

Substitutions and Variations

Almond Extract: If you’re not a fan of almond flavor, replace it with additional vanilla extract or another flavor like lemon or orange.
Sprinkles: Customize the sprinkles for different holidays—think red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or even gold for New Year’s!
Glaze Flavors: Try adding citrus zest or a few drops of food coloring to the glaze for extra festive flair.

FAQs About Italian Christmas Cookies

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

Can I substitute the almond extract?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond flavor, you can omit the almond extract entirely or replace it with more vanilla extract.

Can I use a different type of glaze?

Definitely! You can experiment with different flavors like lemon or orange by adding citrus zest or juice to the powdered sugar glaze.