Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet treats that are perfect for the holiday season. Topped with a simple glaze and festive sprinkles, these cookies are a staple at Christmas gatherings. They have a hint of vanilla and almond flavor, making them irresistible with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Buttery – These cookies have a light, cake-like texture.
- Festive and Fun – The glaze and sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Customizable – Use different extracts or colors for variety.
- Perfect for Gifting – Pack them in tins or boxes for homemade holiday gifts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- Butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Holiday sprinkles (for decoration)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts – Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies – Roll dough into small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth.
- Glaze and Decorate – Dip cooled cookies in the glaze and top with festive sprinkles.
- Let Set and Serve – Allow the glaze to harden before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24-30 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Lemon-Flavored – Use lemon zest and lemon extract instead of vanilla.
- Anise-Flavored – Replace almond extract with anise extract for a traditional Italian taste.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies instead of glaze.
- Colored Glaze – Add food coloring to the glaze for a fun twist.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle crushed almonds or pistachios on top instead of sprinkles.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them the day you plan to serve them.
What’s the best way to get a smooth glaze?
Sift the powdered sugar before mixing, and add milk slowly until you reach the right consistency.
Can I use different extracts?
Yes! Try anise, almond, or lemon extract for different flavors.
How do I make these cookies extra soft?
Don’t overbake them—remove them when the bottoms are just lightly golden.
Can I make these cookies without a glaze?
Yes, they are still delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes! Butter gives the best flavor and texture.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
What’s the best way to store these for gifting?
Place them in decorative tins with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to mix the dough well so everything is evenly incorporated.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Their soft texture, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles make them a must-have for any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cookie exchange, or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft, buttery Italian Christmas cookies are lightly sweet, covered in a vanilla glaze, and topped with festive sprinkles. A holiday classic that melts in your mouth!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for traditional flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter & sugar: In a bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs & vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Prepare glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze & decorate: Dip the top of each cookie in the glaze and add sprinkles before it sets.
- Let dry & enjoy!
Notes
- For a more authentic taste, use anise extract instead of vanilla.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Cookies freeze well before glazing for up to 3 months.
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