Name: Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; Christmas sprinkles

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The air is rich with the warm, sweet aroma of almond and sugar, and the vibrant colors of sprinkles gleam like jewels on a holiday table. Italian Christmas Cookies are a vibrant addition to any festive gathering, embodying both nostalgia and joy. These tender, almond-flavored sugar cookies not only tantalize the senses with their pleasing texture but also beckon you to take another bite. I can still recall the magical mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, her hands gently crafting these delightful cookies while our laughter filled the air. The memories linger, like the sweet taste of these cookies that have somehow become a cherished family tradition. With each buttery bite, you’ll be whisked away to holiday gatherings filled with love, laughter, and warmth. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make these Italian Christmas Cookies together—they are sure to bring a festive cheer to your holiday season!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Italian Christmas Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whipping up these cookies takes just 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to bake, so you’ll be savoring them in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: With an almond-forward profile, these cookies are not only sweet but also have a delightful nutty complexity.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Decorated with colorful sprinkles, they make a visually stunning addition to your cookie tray that will impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, coffee breaks, or as a sweet treat to wrap up dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: With just a few swaps, you could easily make these cookies gluten-free or dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure. For gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and achieve that tender crumb.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted butter: At room temperature for optimal creaming, resulting in a light, fluffy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a vegan butter substitute.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ texture.
Eggs: The binding agent that helps the cookie dough come together. Room temperature helps them blend more seamlessly into the mixture.
Almond extract: Imparts the classic, beloved flavor of these cookies. Make sure to use pure almond extract for the best taste.
Powdered sugar: Used for glazing, it creates a smooth and sweet finish.
Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency—using whole milk will create a creamier texture.
Christmas sprinkles: These festive decorations add color and fun, making your cookies pop on the holiday table!

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until well mixed. This mixture creates the foundation for your cookies. Set it aside while you prepare the wet ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a perfect cookie dough.

Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 6 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The airiness of the butter and sugar is key for achieving a tender cookie.

Add Eggs and Extract: Add 2 room temperature eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, pour in 2 teaspoons of almond extract, which will infuse your cookies with that delightful flavor. This step is crucial in blending all the elements harmoniously.

Mix in Flour: Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies light and tender. If you prefer a thicker, more rounded cookie, consider covering the dough and refrigerating for at least an hour before rolling.

Roll and Prepare: If you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them around 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This space is essential to allow the cookies to spread lightly as they bake.

Bake Until Golden: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven within 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Your kitchen will be filled with a wonderful aroma! Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as they should remain soft and tender.

Cool Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is necessary to ensure the glaze adheres perfectly—plus, it’s a great time to take in that delicious smell!

Create the Glaze: To make the glaze, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Gradually add more milk until you achieve a thick yet fluid consistency. This glaze will provide that sweet finish that elevates your cookies.

Glaze and Decorate: Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, sprinkle on your festive Christmas sprinkles. Place the decorated cookies on a new piece of parchment to set; this will give them a beautiful, glossy appearance.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Italian Christmas Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you’d like to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to two weeks in a sealed container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply layer them with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, refreshing their delightful taste and texture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to use room temperature ingredients—this helps create a smoother dough and better texture in your cookies.
Avoid overmixing once you add the flour to keep your cookies fluffy and light.
When baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking.
For a fun twist, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.
Remember, chilling the dough results in thicker cookies, while baking without chilling leads to a flatter appearance—choose what you prefer!
If you have time, these cookies taste even better the day after baking, once the flavors meld together.

The joy of baking Italian Christmas Cookies is heartwarming not just because of how they taste, but also the memories you create while making them. Each cookie brings a bite of nostalgia and festive spirit that can be shared with family and friends. Why not experiment with some of your favorite flavors or decorations? Baking is all about the love and creativity you put into it. Enjoy the process, and watch as your kitchen transforms into a festive haven!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use substitutions for the ingredients?

Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute the butter with a vegan alternative. For a nut-free version, you can replace almond extract with vanilla extract, although you’ll miss that signature flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Just roll it into balls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just roll them out and bake as usual.

How can I store the leftover cookies?

Store cooled Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to two weeks. If freezing, layer with parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

These cookies are perfect when the bottoms are lightly golden, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven. Remember that they will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven, so be cautious not to overbake!