Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, reminding us of cherished memories spent with loved ones. One of the most beloved holiday treats is the Italian Christmas cookie. Known for its tender texture, subtle almond flavor, and a touch of sweetness from the glaze, these cookies are a festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these cookies embody the warmth and joy of the season. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for gatherings or for storing as a special treat for yourself during the holidays. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be customized with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or mini chocolate chips, for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients to Prepare

This Italian Christmas cookie recipe yields 24 cookies and is perfect for a small gathering or as part of a larger holiday spread. Whether you’re preparing them for a family celebration or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to impress.

For the Cookies:
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup milk
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Colored sprinkles (optional)

How to Make

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to create these delightful Italian Christmas cookies, including helpful tips to ensure they come out perfectly.

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, leading to perfectly risen cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cookies a tender texture.

Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Add the vanilla and almond extracts for that signature Italian cookie flavor.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. This method ensures the dough stays moist and well-mixed. At this stage, you can fold in optional add-ins like chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft for a tender bite. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if necessary. A thicker glaze will give a more opaque finish, while a thinner glaze will create a delicate drizzle.

Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle or spoon the glaze over them. For a festive touch, sprinkle them with colored sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Serve: Allow the glaze to fully set before serving. These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent treat to enjoy during a cozy holiday afternoon.

Helpful Tips

Almond vs. Vanilla Extract: For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can replace half of the vanilla extract with additional almond extract. Alternatively, you can omit the almond extract entirely if you prefer a simple vanilla-flavored cookie.

Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to mix in other ingredients such as dried fruit, white chocolate chips, or even a hint of citrus zest to personalize the recipe.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to scoop and shape.

Glazing Tips: For a professional-looking finish, dip each cookie into the glaze instead of drizzling, then immediately add the sprinkles so they adhere while the glaze is still wet.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 150 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 50mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g

Storage and Leftovers

Storing: These cookies will stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies (before glazing) for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and apply the glaze and sprinkles.
Leftovers: If you have leftover cookies, they also make a great crumb topping for ice cream or yogurt. Simply crush them and use them as a crunchy, flavorful garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Do I have to use both vanilla and almond extract?
No, you can use just vanilla extract if you prefer. However, the almond extract gives these cookies their distinct Italian flavor, so we recommend keeping it if possible.

Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough in scooped portions on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake the cookies directly from frozen, just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, as overly soft butter can cause the cookies to spread too much. You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas cookies are a festive favorite that brings a delightful combination of flavors and textures to any holiday celebration. Whether you prefer them with a simple vanilla glaze or jazzed up with sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips, these cookies are versatile and easy to make. By following this recipe and incorporating some of the helpful tips, you’ll create beautiful, delicious treats that will be a hit at any gathering. So, get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful cookies, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the sweet spirit of the holiday season!

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