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Italian Christmas Cookies


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes (including cooling & glazing)
  • Yield: About 36 cookies (depending on size) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, buttery almond-flavored cookies glazed with a sweet, creamy icing and topped with festive nonpareils—perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving!


Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons almond extract

For the glaze and topping:

  • 1⅓ cups powdered sugar

  • 3 tablespoons milk (any fat level)

  • ½ teaspoon almond extract

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons nonpareils (sprinkles)


Instructions

  1. Preheat & prep:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. Mix dry ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream butter & sugar:
    In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Add eggs & extract:
    Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in almond extract until well combined.

  5. Combine:
    Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

  6. Shape cookies:
    Scoop out 1-inch balls (or use a cookie scoop), and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.

  7. Bake:
    Bake 10–12 minutes, or until cookies are set and lightly golden at the edges. Cool on sheets 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

  8. Glaze:
    Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and salt until smooth.

  9. Decorate:
    While cookies are still warm, dip tops into glaze, then immediately sprinkle with nonpareils.

  10. Set:
    Allow glaze to fully set before serving or packaging.

Notes

Use full-fat butter and room-temperature eggs for tender texture.

Almond extract adds traditional holiday flavor—feel free to substitute a bit of vanilla if preferred.

Adjust milk quantity for desired glaze thickness.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American