Italian Christmas Cookies are a soft, festive treat that perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season. With their pillowy texture, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a family favorite for celebrations. Rooted in Italian tradition, they combine warmth and sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking to bake gifts for loved ones, these cookies are a must-have on your holiday table.
Ingredients
To make these cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The dough is made with butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, giving it a soft and tender texture. A touch of vanilla or almond extract adds a comforting flavor. For the icing, powdered sugar mixed with milk creates a smooth, creamy glaze that hardens slightly when set. The sprinkles bring the festive flair, with red, green, and silver being classic holiday colors.
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven so your cookies bake evenly. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, as this will help create the soft texture the cookies are known for. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Slowly mix in the milk and your choice of extract, whether vanilla, almond, or anise, for a distinct Italian flavor.
Add the flour gradually, mixing just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the ingredients are well blended. Roll the dough into small, even balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Bake until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, then let the cookies cool completely before adding the glaze.
For the icing, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth and pourable. Dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze, letting any excess drip off, and immediately top with sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Allow the cookies to set until the glaze hardens slightly, making them easy to stack or package.
Tips
To ensure your cookies have the perfect texture, use room-temperature butter and eggs. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and results in a softer dough. Sifting the flour prevents lumps and makes the cookies lighter. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for a few minutes before rolling.
For the glaze, adjust the consistency with small amounts of milk or powdered sugar until it’s just right. If you want to add a hint of citrus, a few drops of lemon juice in the glaze can brighten the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed with a warm drink, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties, or wrap them in decorative boxes or tins for gifting. They also make a beautiful addition to cookie swaps or dessert spreads.
Storage
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unglazed cookies and add the icing and sprinkles after thawing. Properly stored, they will maintain their soft texture and festive look.
FAQ
Can I use other flavors? Absolutely. While vanilla and almond are traditional, anise extract is a classic choice for a more authentic Italian flavor.
Do I have to use sprinkles? Sprinkles are optional, but they add a fun and festive touch. You can use any color combination to match your theme.
How do I prevent the glaze from running? Make sure the cookies are completely cool before dipping them in the glaze, and let the icing set in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite that combines simplicity and elegance. With their delicate flavor, soft texture, and cheerful appearance, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating old traditions or creating new ones, these cookies are a sweet way to bring people together during the holiday season. Bake a batch, share the joy, and enjoy the festive spirit one bite at a time.
Print
🍪🎄 Italian Christmas Cookies
Description
Soft and festive cookies topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Red, green, and silver sprinkles
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5️⃣ Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
6️⃣ Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
7️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency as needed.
8️⃣ Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with red, green, and silver sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
9️⃣ Let the cookies set until the glaze hardens before serving or storing.
These cookies are a holiday classic, bringing joy and festive cheer to every bite! 🎅✨