Italian Christmas Cookies: Traditional Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations
Classic soft Italian Christmas cookies flavored with vanilla and almond, topped with a festive glaze and 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
—
Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract
Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In another bowl, cream 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. Mix in 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 9–11 minutes, until lightly set but not browned.
8. Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
9. Dip warm cookies into the glaze and top with sprinkles.
10. Allow the glaze to set before storing or serving.
Notes
These cookies can be customized with different extracts like anise or lemon. Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.