Easy Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Sweet memories of nonna’s kitchen come alive with these delightful Italian Christmas cookies that blend tradition and comfort.

Crisp edges and soft centers tell stories of festive gatherings in cozy Italian homes.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe, whisking together love and simple ingredients.

Delicate powdered sugar coatings invite warm conversations and shared moments around the holiday table.

Fragrant hints of vanilla and almond dance through the kitchen, creating anticipation.

Small batches promise big smiles and nostalgic connections to cherished family traditions.

You’ll find these cookies irresistibly light and perfect for dunking into a steaming espresso.

Bake a batch and watch magic unfold with every sweet, tender bite.

FAQs About Italian Christmas Cookies

• Are these cookies authentic to a specific Italian region?

These cookies originate from traditional Italian holiday baking, particularly popular in Sicily and southern Italy, where almond and vanilla flavors are cherished in festive desserts.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes holiday preparation easier and more convenient.

• What makes the texture of these cookies special?

These cookies have a soft, tender crumb with a delicate, slightly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, typical of classic Italian holiday cookies.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. Just basic mixing bowls, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and standard baking tools will work perfectly for this recipe.

Why Italian Christmas Cookies Make Holidays Special

• Create Holiday Magic: Transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these delightful Italian Christmas cookies that bring joy and tradition to every bite.
• Delight Family and Friends: Impress loved ones with a homemade treat that looks professionally crafted but requires minimal baking skills and basic ingredients.
• Customize with Creativity: Personalize these cookies by experimenting with different sprinkle colors, extracts, or decorative glazes to match your holiday mood or family preferences.
• Stress-Free Baking: Enjoy a simple recipe that doesn't demand complex techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels to feel confident and successful.

Ingredients For Italian Christmas Cookies

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the Christmas cookies.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, cake-like texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provide delightful aromatic notes that are classic in Italian holiday baking.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Create a smooth, sweet glaze that adds a festive touch to the cookies.
• Sprinkles: Offer a colorful and fun decoration for the finished cookies.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Ensure proper rising and balance the flavors of the cookie dough.

How To Bake Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well incorporated.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and airy. Pour in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop small amounts of dough and roll into bite-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down and slightly flatten each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Add Sweet Finishing Touch

Once cookies have completely cooled, prepare the glaze. Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies and sprinkle with colorful decorative sprinkles for a festive look.

Pro Tips For Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies Every Time

• Prevent Tough Cookies: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
• Perfect Glaze Consistency: Add milk gradually to powdered sugar for a smooth, drizzle-friendly texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use high-quality vanilla and almond extracts for a more complex taste profile.
• Uniform Baking Trick: Space cookie balls evenly and use a light touch when flattening to ensure consistent golden browning.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to a month, baking directly from frozen state for fresh treats anytime.

Flavorful Variations Of Italian Christmas Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
• Lemon Zest Variation: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor profile that complements the traditional recipe.
• Chocolate Chip Edition: Mix in mini chocolate chips before baking to create a richer, more decadent cookie experience.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold chopped pistachios or almonds into the dough for added texture and nutty undertones.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Italian Christmas Cookies

• Pair Festive Espresso: A strong, rich espresso complements the sweet almond notes in these Italian Christmas cookies, cutting through their buttery richness with a bold coffee flavor.
• Create Wine Harmony: Select a sweet Moscato d'Asti, which matches the cookies' delicate sweetness and provides a light, sparkling counterpoint to the vanilla and almond undertones.
• Match Dessert Wine Magic: A chilled glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine, offers caramel and nutty hints that beautifully echo the cookie's delicate flavor profile and festive spirit.
• Enhance Liqueur Delight: Serve with amaretto liqueur, which mirrors the almond extract in the cookies and creates a warm, sophisticated pairing that celebrates Italian culinary traditions.

How To Store Italian Christmas Cookies For Freshness

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delicate flavor.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore original freshness.
• Keep glazed cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent softening.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of home dance through these Italian Christmas cookies, inviting warmth and nostalgia with each delicate bite. Crisp edges, powdered sugar coating, and rich almond essence blend perfectly, promising festive joy you’ll savor with every delightful crumb.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (312.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Decoration and Finishing:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• Colorful sprinkles for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by setting oven to 350F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until uniformly blended.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture with soft peaks forming.
4. Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts into butter mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently to create a consistent, soft cookie dough.
6. Shape dough into small, uniform spheres using hands or a cookie scoop, placing them evenly on prepared baking sheets.
7. Gently press each dough ball with the back of a spoon to create a slight flattened surface for even baking.
8. Slide baking sheets into preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
9. Remove cookies and allow complete cooling on wire racks to prevent continued cooking and ensure proper texture.
10. Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to create a smooth, glossy glaze with a drizzling consistency.
11. Once cookies are completely cool, decoratively drizzle glaze over the surface and immediately sprinkle with festive decoration.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature butter to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Use a light hand when mixing dry ingredients to keep cookies tender and avoid tough texture.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 116 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 1.6 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg