Name: Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk (any fat percentage); ½ teaspoon almond extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons nonpareils (red and green sprinkles)

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Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive favorite that bring old-world charm and sweet holiday cheer to any dessert table. These soft, cake-like cookies are delicately flavored with almond extract and topped with a glossy glaze and colorful nonpareils, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Often passed down through generations, these cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition, evoking warm memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations.

Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or cocoa, these cookies are easy to make and yield impressive results. Their tender texture, mild sweetness, and hint of almond flavor set them apart from other holiday cookies. The glaze adds an elegant touch while also enhancing the flavor, and the sprinkle of nonpareils makes them truly festive. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or preparing homemade gifts, these cookies are sure to spread holiday happiness. Best of all, they’re simple enough for novice bakers and a great project to do with kids. This is the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with sweet aromas and the heart with nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Beautiful – With a soft glaze and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for the holiday season.
Easy to Make – Straightforward ingredients and a simple method make this great for all skill levels.
Soft and Cake-Like Texture – Light, pillowy, and tender—ideal for anyone who loves a softer cookie.
Delicate Almond Flavor – The almond extract gives a classic, old-fashioned taste that’s comforting and familiar.
Kid-Friendly – Fun to decorate and easy to eat, making them perfect for family baking sessions.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

Unsalted butter
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Kosher salt
Almond extract

For the glaze and topping:

Powdered sugar
Milk
Almond extract
Kosher salt
Nonpareils

Variations

Lemon-Flavored: Swap almond extract with lemon extract for a citrus twist.
Anise Classic: Replace almond extract with anise extract for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Color-Coordinated Sprinkles: Use red and green nonpareils for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or themed sprinkles for birthdays.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the glaze for added decadence.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in almond extract.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out dough and roll into small balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool completely before glazing.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Dip each cooled cookie top into the glaze, then immediately sprinkle with nonpareils. Let set on a rack until glaze firms up.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and even baking.
Don’t overmix the dough—this keeps the cookies tender.
Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent it from melting off.
Apply sprinkles right after glazing so they stick well.
For a neater finish, place wax paper underneath the cooling rack to catch excess glaze and sprinkles.

How to Serve

Holiday Dessert Trays: Add to cookie platters with other festive favorites.
With Hot Beverages: Serve alongside coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate.
Gifts: Package in cellophane bags or cookie tins for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Cookie Exchanges: A reliable crowd-pleaser at swaps and parties.
Decorative Centerpiece: Pile on a cake stand for an edible table display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw, glaze, and decorate when ready to serve.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary, but you can briefly warm them in the microwave for a just-baked feel.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different extract besides almond?

Yes, vanilla, lemon, or anise extract all work well in this recipe.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?

No chilling is needed, which makes this a quick and easy cookie recipe.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could be from overmixing the dough or using butter that was too soft.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to bake in batches.

6. How do I get a smooth glaze?

Use sifted powdered sugar and whisk thoroughly for a lump-free glaze.

7. Can I freeze the glazed cookies?

It’s best to freeze them before glazing for optimal texture.

8. Can I use food coloring in the glaze?

Yes, add a drop or two for a festive look.

9. What if I don’t have nonpareils?

You can use sanding sugar, colored sugar, or leave them plain.

10. Are these cookies overly sweet?

No, they’re subtly sweet with a balanced flavor thanks to the glaze and almond notes.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that combines elegance, tradition, and delightful flavor in every bite. With their soft texture, light almond taste, and festive decorations, they bring joy to both bakers and recipients alike. Whether you’re reviving an old family recipe or starting a new tradition, these cookies are guaranteed to become a cherished part of your holiday season. Easy to make, beautiful to present, and even better to eat—these cookies are Christmas magic in every bite.