Italian Christmas Cookies | Soft, Festive & Delicious Treat

Every December, my kitchen smells like butter and almond extract. The scent fills the house, mingling with pine and laughter. These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, sweet, and glazed in a snowy coat of icing. They taste like holiday mornings—warm coffee, quiet joy, and the hum of something special baking in the oven.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Christmas Cookies

These Italian Christmas Cookies bring comfort and cheer to every bite. The texture is soft and cake-like, with a delicate almond aroma that feels timeless. They use pantry basics, so you can make them anytime. Also, they’re perfect for gifting or bringing to family gatherings. You can even customize them with your favorite extract or colorful sprinkles.

Because the dough chills before baking, the cookies stay tender and keep their shape. As a result, every batch turns out beautifully consistent. And the glossy glaze? It adds the perfect sweet finish that sparkles on your holiday tray.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 to 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Nonpareil sprinkles for decorating

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside. This quick step keeps the cookies light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat melted butter until creamy. Add eggs, sugar, and almond extract. Mix until smooth. The mixture may look slightly lumpy, but that’s normal.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the cookies will become dense. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until set. Let them cool completely on a rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

Whisk powdered sugar with milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a thick but pourable glaze. Stir in almond extract for that sweet aroma.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Dip each cooled cookie upside down into the glaze. Let excess drip off, then place on a rack. Quickly sprinkle with nonpareils before the icing sets.

Substitutions and Variations

If you prefer a different flavor, swap almond extract for anise, lemon, or vanilla. You can also use unsalted butter—just add 1/4 tsp salt. For a festive twist, try crushed nuts or colored sugar instead of sprinkles. Gluten-free flour (1:1 with xanthan gum) works well too. For a lighter touch, skip the glaze and dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Expert Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overmix your dough or the cookies will lose their softness. Always spoon flour into your cup and level it off to avoid using too much. Let cookies cool completely before glazing or the icing will slide off. Also, wait for the glaze to set before adding sprinkles so colors don’t bleed. Small steps like these make a big difference.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can store these cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to keep them fresh. To freeze, stack cookies in a sealed container with wax paper layers for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature. The dough also chills well for 24 hours, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.

Prep, Bake, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 1–1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 2500–2700
• Protein: 30–35g
• Fat: 100–110g
• Carbohydrates: 400–450g

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

If you love festive baking, try Cherry pie cookie cups for your festive dessert tray.
You’ll also enjoy Peppermint bark brownies perfect for holiday gifting.
Or brighten your dessert table with Patriotic sugar cookie bars with colorful sprinkles.
Add contrast with Chocolate crinkle cookies to complement your Italian treats.
For something nutty and fun, bake Pistachio pudding cookies with a festive twist.
You can even try Red, white, and blue cheesecake bars for holiday dessert tables.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Italian Christmas Cookies. They’re soft, sweet, and just the right kind of nostalgic. Making them brings calm to the chaos of December. As you dip each cookie in glaze and sprinkle them with color, you’ll feel that familiar joy that only baking can bring. Share them with friends, wrap them as gifts, or keep a plate by the tree with a warm cup of coffee. They taste like Christmas itself.

Find more holiday inspiration on Pinterest or join the festive community on Facebook.