Skip to Content

Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies

As the holiday season approaches, there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air. Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with the sweet, comforting flavors of vanilla and almond. These cookies, with their festive icing and colorful sprinkles, are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

A Festive Treat for Everyone to Enjoy

This Italian Christmas Cookie recipe is not just about creating delicious treats; it's about bringing joy and warmth into your kitchen. These cookies are wonderfully light and buttery, with a sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. Let’s get into the spirit of the season and bake a batch of these festive cookies together!

Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies

  1. Soft Butter Is Key: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve that light, fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
  2. Uniform Cookies: Roll the dough into consistent 1-inch balls and use the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly for uniform baking.
  3. Keep an Eye on the Oven: These cookies should only be lightly golden when done. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
  4. Decorating Fun: Get creative with the sprinkles! Apply them while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick.
  5. Let Them Set: Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies to keep the texture perfect.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes
  • Serving: Makes about 36 cookies
  • Equipment: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, wire rack

Indulge in the festive cheer with these easy-to-make and utterly delicious Italian Christmas Cookies. Perfect for holiday parties or a family baking day!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the icing:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • Sprinkles for decorating

Directions:

  1. Prep the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This base will help give the cookies their texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, stirring to form a smooth dough.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place them on your prepared sheets. Flatten each ball slightly for a uniform cookie.
  6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for a light golden color—don’t overbake.
  7. Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack. For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing, then sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
  8. Let Set: Allow the icing to harden before storing or serving these delightful cookies.

Perfect Addition to Your Holiday Celebrations

These Italian Christmas Cookies are more than just treats; they're a symbol of tradition and celebration. Enjoy the process of baking, decorating, and sharing these cookies, and let them add a touch of sweetness to your holiday festivities. Happy baking!

Italian Christmas Cookies