Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat, ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes! This simple recipe yields soft, buttery cookies that are traditionally decorated for the holidays. For another quick and impressive dessert, try this Buttery Caramel Chocolate Crackers Recipe. Gather your ingredients and let’s bake some holiday cheer.

Ingredients

The magic of these traditional Italian Christmas Cookies starts with simple pantry staples, combining to create a soft, fragrant dough that bakes into tender, almond-scented treats perfect for glazing and sprinkling.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (or a neutral oil like canola)
• 1 tablespoon almond extract (or vanilla extract for a different flavor)
• For the glaze:
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water (more as needed for consistency)
• Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles for decoration

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these classic Italian Christmas Cookies about 20% faster to prepare than many traditional recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing for tender cookies.

Step 2 — Shape the Cookies

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. For classic Italian Christmas cookies, pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls or short logs. You can also shape them into festive knots or “S” shapes. Place the shaped dough about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 3 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and not brown. These cookies are meant to be soft and cake-like, so be careful not to overbake them.

Step 4 — Cool Completely

Let the baked Italian Christmas cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They must be completely cool to the touch before you apply any glaze or icing, otherwise it will melt and slide off.

Step 5 — Make the Glaze

While the cookies cool, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla or almond extract. The consistency should be thick but pourable—like heavy cream. For a traditional look, you can divide the glaze and tint portions with red and green food coloring.

Step 6 — Decorate the Cookies

Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Place them back on the wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips. Immediately sprinkle with nonpareils, colored sugar, or festive sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Step 7 — Let the Glaze Set

Allow the glazed Italian Christmas cookies to sit at room temperature undisturbed for at least 1-2 hours, or until the icing is completely dry and hard. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.

Step 8 — Store or Serve

Once set, these cookies can be arranged on a platter for serving. Store any leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	4g
Fiber	0.5g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Nutritional values for these Italian Christmas Cookies are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

These classic Italian Christmas Cookies are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing their festive spirit.

• Protein Powder for Some Flour — Swap out ¼ cup of all-purpose flour for unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder. This adds a protein boost and creates a slightly denser, chewier texture perfect for these tender cookies.
• Almond or Coconut Flour for Lower-Carb — Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with finely ground almond or coconut flour. This creates a nuttier, more delicate crumb and is a great lower-carb alternative for Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For best results, choose a blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the structure of traditional flour in your gluten-free Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana for Butter/Oil — Substitute half the butter or oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana. This reduces saturated fat and adds natural moisture and a subtle fruity note.
• Dairy-Free Butter & Milk — Use a high-quality plant-based butter stick and unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk. This creates wonderfully dairy-free Italian Christmas Cookies that are just as rich and tender.
• Natural Sweeteners for Sugar — Replace granulated sugar in the dough with coconut sugar or a monk fruit blend for a lower glycemic index. The glaze can be made with powdered erythritol.
• Seed Butter for Nut Allergies — If the recipe includes nuts, use sunflower seed butter instead. It provides a similar richness and works beautifully in both the cookie and any nut-based glaze.
• Reduce Salt for Low-Sodium — Simply cut the added salt in the dough by half or omit it entirely, especially if using salted butter. The sweetness of the cookie and glaze will still shine through.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these classic Italian Christmas Cookies with a small glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a shot of rich espresso for an authentic finish to a holiday meal.
• Create a festive cookie platter by mixing them with other traditional treats like pizzelle, ricotta cookies, and amaretti for a beautiful and delicious assortment.
• Serve them alongside a creamy cannoli dip or a bowl of lightly sweetened mascarpone for a fun, interactive dessert option at your holiday gathering.
• Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a red or green ribbon for thoughtful, homemade edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
• For a stunning Christmas morning presentation, arrange the Italian Christmas Cookies on a tiered cake stand as part of a holiday brunch buffet.
• Add a playful twist by using them as a topping for a holiday ice cream sundae or as a crumble over a cup of vanilla panna cotta.

However you choose to serve them, these Italian Christmas Cookies are sure to bring a taste of holiday tradition and joy to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overworking the dough, which activates too much gluten and makes cookies tough. Fix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Using cold butter or eggs straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature for proper emulsification and a smoother dough.
• Mistake: Adding too much flour when rolling, leading to a dry, dense cookie. Fix: Lightly dust your surface and hands; measure flour using the spoon-and-level method.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out these delicate Italian Christmas Cookies. Fix: Bake just until the bottoms are lightly golden; they continue to set as they cool.
• Mistake: Applying icing or glaze to warm cookies, causing it to melt off. Fix: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating for perfect setting.
• Mistake: Skipping the anise extract or using an inferior brand, missing the authentic flavor. Fix: Use a high-quality pure anise extract for that classic, aromatic taste.
• Mistake: Crowding cookies on the baking sheet, preventing even browning. Fix: Leave about 2 inches between dough balls for proper heat circulation.
• Mistake: Storing decorated cookies while the icing is still tacky, causing them to stick together. Fix: Let icing dry completely, about 2-4 hours, before layering in an airtight container.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Italian Christmas Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Reheat: To restore a fresh-baked texture, reheat cookies on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. Always ensure reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if previously refrigerated or frozen.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the soft, tender texture of these classic Italian Christmas Cookies. Always allow them to cool completely before sealing in a container to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and sharing these classic Italian Christmas Cookies. They’re the perfect festive treat to add to your holiday table. For another wonderful cookie option, try our Cranberry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

How do I store Italian Christmas Cookies to keep them fresh?

Store your Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for several months.

Can I make the dough for Italian Christmas Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough for Italian Christmas Cookies a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.

What is the best icing for these traditional cookies?

A simple glaze of confectioners’ sugar and milk or a flavored anise icing is classic for Italian Christmas Cookies. Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies, then add colorful sprinkles immediately before the icing sets.