There’s something truly special about gathering loved ones around a platter of these soft, pillowy treats, and this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe captures all the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season in every bite. With their delicate crumb, subtle notes of vanilla and anise, and a festive glaze showered with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the soul. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting to friends, or just looking to add a little sparkle to your dessert table, this recipe is a cherished holiday tradition you’ll want to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe shines because of its simple, classic ingredients that work together to create a cookie that’s soft, tender, and bursting with a gentle sweetness. Each element plays a role, whether in providing structure, flavor, or that irresistible festive finish.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving the cookies their classic cake-like texture.
- Baking powder: Lifts the cookies up, ensuring they bake up light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a touch, to enhance all the sweet and aromatic flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies brown just right.
- Large eggs: Add moisture and structure, keeping the cookies delicate and tender.
- Vanilla extract (or almond extract): For a fragrant, cozy aroma—choose your favorite!
- Anise extract (optional): Adds that classic Italian bakery flair; use it if you love a hint of licorice.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Whips up into a silky glaze to coat each cookie.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
- Vanilla or almond extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with extra flavor.
- Colorful sprinkles: The finishing touch that makes these cookies instantly festive and fun!
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and release without sticking. It’s a small step that sets you up for baking success!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly, so every cookie puffs up just right and each bite tastes perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process not only sweetens the dough but also incorporates air, giving your cookies that beautiful, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a silky, cohesive dough. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if you’re feeling traditional, a splash of anise extract for that unmistakable Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread and puff up as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just turning golden. The tops should stay pale and soft, giving you that classic Italian bakery look and texture. Let them cool for five minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 8: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and your choice of extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then quickly sprinkle with festive nonpareils or jimmies. Set them aside to let the glaze harden before serving or storing.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A generous handful of colorful sprinkles is the classic finishing touch for this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe, but you can also try a light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of contrasting glaze for extra flair. These little details make your cookie tray sparkle and invite everyone to reach for just one more.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a shot of espresso, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine for a truly festive spread. They’re also a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert platter, alongside biscotti and other Italian favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies on a tiered cake stand, tuck them into a pretty tin for gifting, or create a “cookie wreath” by arranging them in a circle on a large platter. No matter how you serve them, the Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe always brings a cheerful, homemade touch to any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The glaze will keep them moist, and they taste just as delicious on day three as they do fresh from the oven.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place the glazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for baking ahead or saving a little holiday cheer for later.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, let them thaw at room temperature, then give them a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds. The glaze will soften a bit, and the cookies will taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature for easier shaping.
Is the anise extract necessary?
Not at all! The anise extract is optional and adds a traditional Italian flavor, but you can stick with vanilla or almond if you prefer a milder cookie.
Can I use different sprinkles or decorations?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Try gold pearls, chocolate shavings, or even crushed peppermint for a personal spin on the classic Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe.
How do I keep the glaze from getting sticky?
Let the glazed cookies sit uncovered until the glaze has fully set and hardened. Storing them in a cool, dry place also helps prevent stickiness.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe scales up beautifully—just make sure to use multiple baking sheets and rotate them for even baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy that comes from baking and sharing this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these cookies bring happiness to every holiday gathering. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they become everyone’s favorite!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the festive spirit with these traditional Italian Christmas Cookies. Soft, cake-like, and beautifully glazed, they bring a perfect blend of vanilla and anise flavors. Perfect for holiday gifting and celebrations, these cookies are easy to bake and customize with your choice of glaze flavors.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 1/2 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, indicating well-incorporated air for tenderness.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and anise extract if using, for a fragrant flavor.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it for tender cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale and soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then immediately sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies are soft and cake-like, making them perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying fresh.
- You can customize the glaze flavor by using lemon, almond, or anise extract to suit your taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for best freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies without glaze and glaze them after thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
