There is something truly magical about a classic Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. These tender, buttery cookies are not only melt-in-your-mouth delicious but also wonderfully easy to make, featuring delicate hints of vanilla and almond that dance with every bite. Whether you’re baking with family or surprising friends with homemade gifts, this recipe captures the heart of Italian festive traditions, delivering that nostalgic feeling that makes the holidays so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s beautiful about this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. These pantry staples come together to form a cookie that is light, slightly crisp at the edges, and perfectly sweet.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to these delightful cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness with just the right amount of sparkle.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the dough together and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Gives the cookies a charming nutty fragrance and a subtle twist.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a light, delicate rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for the glaze that adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Perfects the glaze consistency, making it smooth and easy to coat.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Fun and festive, adding that holiday sparkle.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and come off easily once baked. This simple step saves you from any sticky cookie mishaps later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key to achieving those soft, tender cookies that almost melt in your mouth.
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, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, which give the cookies their signature sweet and aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so keep it gentle and minimal.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to create that classic cookie shape ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until their edges turn a lovely light golden color. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after you take them out to firm up a bit before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk the powdered sugar with milk until you get a smooth glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into this glaze, then sprinkle with festive decorations. Allow the glaze to set fully before serving to get that beautiful, glossy finish.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While sprinkles add a festive touch, consider experimenting with crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter to elevate your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. These garnishes add charm and texture, making your cookies stand out at any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
Pair these lovely cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or even a cozy mulled wine to bring out their nutty almond notes. Italian Christmas cookies truly shine alongside warm beverages that enhance their comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe by arranging the cookies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or sparkling snowflake ornaments. You could also package them in decorative tins or mason jars adorned with ribbons to share as heartfelt holiday gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delicate texture, so you can enjoy that perfect Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe feel days after baking.
Freezing
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies can last up to three months without losing their flavor or texture, making it convenient to prepare your holiday treats ahead of time.
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, you can warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their softness and intensify the aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies chewy instead of tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon or orange extract for a fresh citrus twist, giving your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe a different but equally delightful flavor.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it turns into a fine dust. However, using prepared powdered sugar ensures the best smooth glaze texture for your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Are these cookies vegan-friendly?
This traditional Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe uses eggs and butter, making it non-vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes like flaxseed meal to create a plant-based version, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Be sure to chill your dough briefly before baking if you notice spreading. Also, avoid flattening the dough balls too thinly. The baking powder in the recipe helps with rise instead of spread, giving the cookies that perfect shape.
Can I omit the glaze and sprinkles?
Definitely! The glaze and sprinkles add sweetness and festive looks, but these cookies taste fantastic plain as well. Skipping the glaze gives you a simpler cookie that still carries all the wonderful almond and vanilla flavors.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is like handing over a little piece of tradition and warmth. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or gifting these charming treats, the simplicity and soul of this recipe will make your holiday season even sweeter. So grab your mixing bowl and start baking — your kitchen is about to fill with joy and the irresistible scent of Christmas.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in these classic Italian Christmas Cookies, a soft and buttery treat flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. These festive cookies are baked until lightly golden and finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure an even texture. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly by pressing down with the bottom of a glass for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to form a glaze. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving for a perfect festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Adjust milk quantity in glaze for desired consistency; thinner glaze will drip, thicker will coat better.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkles add festive color but can be omitted for a simple glaze finish.
