Italian Christmas Cookies

Ah, Italian Christmas Cookies—they’re the kind of treat that fills your home with the sweet aroma of the holidays, bringing warmth, tradition, and a little bit of joy with every bite. These cookies aren’t just for Christmas, they’re a celebration of family, love, and delicious flavors. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting these treats, you know they’re soft, buttery, and often topped with a sweet glaze and sprinkles. Think of them as the ultimate holiday indulgence—perfect for sharing with loved ones or leaving out for Santa.

Whether you’re baking them to gift, serve at a holiday party, or just enjoy with a cup of tea, these Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive delight that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So roll up your sleeves, put on some holiday tunes, and let’s bake up a batch of these iconic, melt-in-your-mouth cookies!

Why You’ll Love Italian Christmas Cookies

Here’s why these cookies should be on your holiday baking list:

Family Tradition

These cookies have been passed down through generations in many Italian families. Baking them isn’t just about the end result, it’s about creating memories and embracing the love and warmth of the holiday season.

Perfectly Sweet and Soft

Italian Christmas cookies are known for their soft, buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness. The addition of almond extract gives them a delightful flavor that’s subtle yet distinct.

Easy to Make

While these cookies may look fancy, they’re actually quite simple to put together. You don’t need to be a pro baker to create these festive treats—just follow the steps, and you’ll have perfect cookies every time.

Customizable

Want to make these cookies your own? You can easily customize the glaze and toppings. Whether you love a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar, you can make them as festive as you like.

Great for Gifting

Italian Christmas cookies make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for neighbors, friends, and family. A batch of these cookies wrapped up with a ribbon is the perfect homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

Ingredients

You don’t need much to make these traditional Italian Christmas Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Flour

The base of these cookies is all-purpose flour, which gives them that soft, chewy texture that’s characteristic of Italian Christmas cookies.

Butter

Butter is what makes these cookies rich and tender. It creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite.

Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, giving it just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

Eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and help create a soft and fluffy texture.

Almond Extract

Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that’s a hallmark of many Italian cookies. It’s what makes these cookies feel a little extra special.

Baking Powder

This helps the cookies rise, giving them that light, pillowy texture.

Milk

A little milk adds moisture to the dough, ensuring your cookies stay soft and tender.

Glaze Ingredients:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk (or water)
• Almond extract (optional for a little extra flavor)
• Sprinkles (rainbow nonpareils, colored sugar, or your choice of festive toppings)

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! These Italian Christmas Cookies are simple to make and fun to decorate. Here’s how to bring these festive treats to life:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract and mix until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a flat, round shape.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers should still be soft but firm to the touch. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze. Let the excess drip off, and then place the cookies on a wire rack to set. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle your favorite decorations on top, such as colored sugar, rainbow sprinkles, or nonpareils.

Step 7: Let the Glaze Set

Allow the glaze to set for about 20-30 minutes before serving or storing. This will ensure the glaze hardens and the decorations stay in place.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh, but they also make a delightful addition to your holiday cookie trays. Here’s how to enjoy them:

Serve on a Festive Cookie Tray

Arrange these beautifully glazed cookies on a platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread, biscotti, or shortbread for a festive spread. The colorful sprinkles and glaze add a touch of holiday cheer to any table.

Pair with Hot Drinks

Enjoy these cookies with a warm drink like hot chocolate, spiced cider, or coffee. The sweetness of the cookies pairs perfectly with the warmth of your favorite holiday beverages.

Gift Them

Place your homemade cookies in a tin or a decorative box and tie them with a ribbon. They make wonderful gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, or anyone you want to spread holiday cheer to.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Italian Christmas Cookies even better:

Make Them Ahead

These cookies store well and can be made a few days ahead of time. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze some for later.

Experiment with Toppings

While rainbow sprinkles are traditional, feel free to get creative with your toppings. You could use crushed peppermint, shredded coconut, or even chocolate drizzle for a fun twist on the classic cookie.

Perfect for Kids

Kids love decorating these cookies! Set up a little decorating station with sprinkles, colored sugars, and glazes, and let them get creative.

Skip the Glaze (Optional)

If you’re looking for a less sugary version, you can skip the glaze altogether and enjoy the cookies as they are, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a simpler touch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Yes! These cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and you can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q2: Can I substitute the almond extract?
A2: Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if you prefer. However, almond extract is what gives these cookies their traditional Italian flavor.

Q3: How can I store these cookies?
A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Q5: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A5: Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios can be added to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients.

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a true holiday classic, bringing joy, tradition, and delicious flavors to your festivities. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite! Happy baking! 🎄🍪

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