Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, tender, and perfectly sweet treats that are a festive tradition in many households. With their delicate vanilla-almond flavor and a simple glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Traditional Delight: A classic recipe perfect for the holiday season.
Soft and Pillowy: The cookies have a light, cake-like texture.
Customizable Flavors: Easy to adjust extracts for a personalized touch.
Perfect for Gifting: Beautiful and festive, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges and gift baskets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Colorful sprinkles, for decoration

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies should remain pale on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing.
Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk for a thicker or thinner glaze.
Glaze and Decorate:
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then place them on a wire rack. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Citrus Flavor: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough and glaze for a bright, zesty twist.
Chocolate Version: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies instead of using sprinkles.
Nutty Touch: Substitute almond extract with hazelnut or pistachio extract.
Festive Colors: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for a more seasonal look.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Reheating: Not necessary, as these cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make these without almond extract?

Yes, you can omit it or replace it with an extract of your choice, like lemon or hazelnut.

2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Ensure the butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if needed.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

4. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

5. How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze.

6. Are these cookies supposed to be soft?

Yes, they have a tender, cake-like texture.

7. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute works well in this recipe.

8. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Dip them in glaze and top with colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts.

9. How can I keep the cookies fresh?

Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

10. What other holidays are these cookies suitable for?

They can be adapted for any occasion with themed sprinkles or glaze colors.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their tender texture, sweet glaze, and festive decorations make them a timeless favorite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of coffee.