Italian Christmas Cookies
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Get ready to bake up some holiday magic with these Italian Christmas Cookies! Soft, sweet, and kissed with the delicate flavor of almond, these cookies are a festive favorite that bring warmth and tradition to any holiday celebration. Shaped into charming little rounds or twisted knots, they’re topped with a glossy almond glaze and cheerful sprinkles—perfect for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting one of your own, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The dough comes together in minutes using simple pantry staples, and decorating them with colorful sprinkles is the perfect activity to share with friends and family. With their tender, cakey texture and irresistible almond-scented glaze, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: The almond glaze and colorful sprinkles make these cookies a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Soft and Tender: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth, cakey texture that sets them apart from traditional crunchy cookies.
- Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients or equipment required—just simple pantry staples!
- Customizable: Swap almond extract for vanilla, lemon, or anise to create your own flavor twist.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Glaze and Topping
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (any fat percentage)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Nonpareils or festive sprinkles
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the cookies are just set. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place the cookies back on the wire rack and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils or festive sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Allow the glaze to harden completely before serving or storing.
Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and a tender dough.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be just set when you take them out of the oven. Overbaking will make them dry.
- Sprinkle Immediately: Add sprinkles right after glazing each cookie so they stick properly.
- Customize the Glaze: Add a little lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or tint the glaze with food coloring for extra holiday flair.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
Variations to Try
- Flavor Swap: Substitute almond extract with vanilla, lemon, or anise for a different flavor profile.
- Shaping Fun: Roll the dough into balls, twist into knots, or pipe into rosettes for variety.
- Holiday Colors: Use red, green, gold, or silver sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Citrus Glaze: Add a splash of fresh lemon or orange juice to the glaze for a tangy twist.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies
- On a Cookie Platter: Add them to your holiday dessert spread alongside other festive treats.
- With Coffee or Espresso: These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or espresso.
- As Gifts: Pack them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
- For Cookie Swaps: Their festive look and nostalgic flavor make them a hit at any cookie exchange.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
Reheating
- No reheating needed! Simply bring frozen cookies to room temperature before glazing and serving.
FAQs for Italian Christmas Cookies
1. Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond?
- Absolutely! Vanilla, lemon, or anise extract all work beautifully in this recipe.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
- Not required, but if the dough is too soft to handle, a quick chill in the fridge can help.
3. Can I double the recipe?
- Yes! This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for larger batches.
4. Can I use salted butter?
- You can, but reduce or omit the added salt to balance the flavors.
5. Can I add food coloring?
- Definitely! Tint the glaze or the dough itself for a fun, colorful twist.
6. Why did my glaze run off the cookies?
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before glazing, and adjust the glaze consistency as needed.
7. Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
- These cookies are soft, tender, and slightly cakey—perfect for melting in your mouth!
Conclusion
These Italian Christmas Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be—soft, sweet, and full of festive charm. With their almond-scented glaze and colorful sprinkles, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking them for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these cookies bring the magic of the season to every bite.
So grab your sprinkles, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up some holiday cheer! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us—we’d love to see your festive cookie masterpieces. 🎄✨
