Easy Family Recipes & Tips | Italian Christmas Cookies

Are you looking for a traditional touch to brighten your holiday dessert table this season? christmas italian cookie recipes bring generations of Mediterranean flavor and festive charm to your celebrations. These delightful treats, often passed down through family lines, combine simple ingredients with time-honored techniques to create cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or preparing gifts for friends, these authentic Italian Christmas cookies will surely become a new tradition in your home.

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Ingredients List

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for lighter texture)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional for authentic flavor)
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Colored sprinkles or nonpareils for decorating

Substitution tip: For dairy-free options, replace butter with high-quality coconut oil (solid state) and use almond milk for the glaze.

Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes mixing and shaping)
• Chill Time: 1 hour (can be shortened to 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry)
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Decorating Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (saves nearly 1 hour compared to traditional Italian bakery methods)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Pro tip: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Quick hack: Divide dough into smaller portions to chill faster if you’re short on time.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls or traditional shapes like wreaths or twists. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden. Watch closely after 8 minutes—perfect christmas italian cookie treats should not brown on top.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While cookies cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.

Step 6: Decorate

Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze and immediately add sprinkles. Allow to set completely before storing. Work in small batches so the glaze doesn’t harden before adding sprinkles.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (based on 36 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 3% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce sugar to ¾ cup and use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added protein
• Use gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for gluten-sensitive individuals
• Replace butter with equal parts olive oil for a Mediterranean twist (cookies will be softer)
• Create vegan cookies by using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg)

Serving Suggestions

Present these christmas italian cookie delights on a tiered platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Pair with hot beverages like espresso, Italian hot chocolate, or an aromatic spiced tea. For a traditional Italian experience, serve alongside a glass of sweet Vin Santo wine for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold ingredients rather than room temperature (causes uneven mixing)
• Skipping the chilling step (results in flat, spread-out cookies)
• Overbaking (these cookies should remain pale on top)
• Applying glaze to warm cookies (makes the glaze run off)
• Adding too much flour when rolling (creates dry, crumbly cookies)

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store fully set cookies in airtight containers with parchment between layers for up to 2 weeks. Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw at room temperature before glazing. For gift-giving, layer cookies in decorative tins with tissue paper for protection.

Conclusion

These traditional christmas italian cookie recipes bring the authentic flavors of Italy to your holiday celebrations. Their beautiful appearance and delightful taste make them perfect for sharing with loved ones or giving as heartfelt gifts. Try making a batch this weekend and experience the joy of creating a genuine Italian holiday tradition in your own kitchen. Share your cookie creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your festive treats!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This typically happens if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or if your butter was too soft. Make sure to refrigerate the dough until firm and use butter that’s softened but still cool to the touch.

Can these cookies be shipped as gifts?
Absolutely! Once completely set, pack cookies in airtight containers with bubble wrap or crumpled parchment. Choose sturdier shapes like balls rather than delicate shapes for shipping.

Are Italian Christmas cookies typically very sweet?
Traditional Italian cookies are generally less sweet than American cookies, with more emphasis on texture and subtle flavors. The glaze adds sweetness, so you can adjust the sugar in the dough to your preference.