In This Recipe
Are You Ready to Create Festive Magic with cookies italian Style?
When the holiday season arrives, nothing quite captures the festive spirit like the aroma of freshly baked cookies italian wafting through your home. Traditional Italian Christmas cookies have been delighting families for generations with their perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and Old-World charm. According to recent holiday baking surveys, Italian Christmas cookies rank among the top five most searched holiday recipes, with classics like Anginetti and Taralles gaining popularity beyond Italian-American communities.
Whether you’re honoring family traditions or exploring Italian baking for the first time, these classic Italian Christmas cookies offer something special for everyone. Let’s dive into the delightful world of these festive treats that combine simplicity with unmatched flavor.
PrintItalian Christmas Cookies: Traditional Recipes with Modern Twists
Soft, cakey Italian Christmas cookies with a sweet vanilla–almond glaze and festive sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 cup milk
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Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract
Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
7. Place on baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes, until set but not browned.
8. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract to form the glaze.
9. Dip warm cookies into the glaze and top with sprinkles.
10. Allow glaze to fully set before storing or serving.
Notes
For a traditional variation, substitute almond extract with anise extract. These cookies stay soft for several days and freeze very well.
Ingredients List
For Traditional Anginetti (Italian Lemon Drop Cookies):
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Substitutions:
- Almond extract can replace vanilla for authentic almond Christmas cookies
- Orange zest and juice work beautifully instead of lemon
- Gluten-free flour blend can be substituted 1:1 for traditional flour
Timing
Prep Time: 30 minutes (including dough chilling)
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Quick Christmas cookies like these save nearly 40 minutes compared to more elaborate Italian pastries, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules while still delivering authentic flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a larger bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps traditional Italian cookies Christmas-worthy tender!
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Chill dough for 15-20 minutes. Roll dough into 1-inch balls or traditional knot shapes for authentic Taralles Italian Christmas cookies. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
Step 3: Glaze and Decorate
While cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Dip cookie tops into glaze and immediately add sprinkles if desired. Let set for at least 1 hour before storing.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (approximately):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Vitamin C: 2% of daily value (from lemon)
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Reduce sugar by 25% without sacrificing flavor
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber
- Substitute half the butter with applesauce for lower-fat version
- For vegan Italian Christmas cookies, use plant-based butter and egg replacer
- Monk fruit sweetener works well for low-carb versions
Serving Suggestions
Serve these classic Italian Christmas cookies on a tiered platter alongside espresso or Italian hot chocolate. Create a cookie board with various Italian favorites like biscotti and pizzelles. For an elegant touch, dust with edible gold powder before serving at holiday gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the dough, which toughens cookies
- Skipping the chilling step, resulting in cookies that spread too much
- Overbaking – remove when bottoms are just golden
- Making glaze too thin – it should coat the back of a spoon
- Adding sprinkles after glaze has set – they won’t stick
Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cookies maintain quality in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before glazing. Perfect for make-ahead holiday preparations!
Conclusion
These timeless Italian Christmas cookies bring together generations of tradition with simple ingredients and techniques anyone can master. Whether you’re creating Anginetti lemon drops or twisted Taralles, these treats carry the essence of Italian holiday baking right to your table. Try baking a batch this weekend and watch how quickly they disappear!
FAQs
Can I make these Italian Christmas cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and store unglazed cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months, then thaw and glaze before serving.
Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
Your dough may be too warm. Make sure to chill it properly, and don’t place cookies on warm baking sheets.
What makes cookies specifically “Italian”?
Traditional Italian cookies often feature simple ingredients, distinctive shapes, and flavors like anise, almond, and citrus that reflect regional Italian baking traditions.
Can I ship these cookies as gifts?
Absolutely! Once completely set, pack them with parchment paper between layers in a sturdy container. They hold up well during shipping compared to softer cookies.