Italian 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.