Italian Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat to brighten any holiday table! These pillowy-soft, lightly glazed cookies are bursting with the nostalgic flavors of vanilla, anise, and a touch of buttery sweetness, then topped with cheerful sprinkles for a pop of color. Baking a batch of these cookies instantly fills your kitchen with the warmth and joy of the season, and sharing them with loved ones is truly a gift from the heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Italian Christmas Cookies is that they’re made from simple, classic baking staples, each chosen for their role in creating a delightfully tender crumb and balanced flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies light.
- Baking powder: Essential for that signature pillowy texture, helping the cookies puff up as they bake.
- Salt: Just a small amount brings out the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delightful vanilla and anise notes.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract (or almond extract): Brings warmth and depth; almond is a wonderful twist if you love a fragrant cookie.
- Anise extract (optional): Adds that unmistakable classic Italian Christmas Cookie flavor with its subtle licorice hint.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a silky-smooth glaze that dries to a beautiful finish.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect dipping consistency.
- Vanilla or almond extract (for glaze): Complimentary flavor for the sweet, simple glaze.
- Holiday sprinkles: No Italian Christmas Cookies are complete without a cheery shower of colorful sprinkles!
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only helps prevent sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Having your pans ready ensures your dough balls can go straight into the oven once they’ve been rolled.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This crucial step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are distributed throughout, making for cookies that puff up perfectly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, giving your cookies that soft, tender texture we all love.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla (or almond) extract and, if desired, a touch of anise extract. This is where your Italian Christmas Cookies start to come alive with flavor!
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, blending on low just until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and just a bit sticky—that’s perfect! Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop dough and roll it into smooth balls with your hands. Arrange them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned. Their pale color is part of their charm! Let them cool fully on wire racks.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and extract until silky smooth. Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, letting any excess drip off, then immediately scatter with festive sprinkles. Let the glaze set completely before stacking or serving—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
Italian Christmas Cookies truly shine with a generous dusting of colorful holiday sprinkles, but you can make them your own with shredded coconut, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra flair. Presentation is half the fun—let your creativity run wild!
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful with a mug of rich hot chocolate, strong espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine. For a classic Italian touch, enjoy them alongside a plate of mixed fruit or other bite-sized holiday treats for a festive cookie tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Box up Italian Christmas Cookies in pretty tins lined with parchment for heartwarming homemade gifts, or stack them on a tiered serving tray at your next gathering. You can also make mini versions for a cookie exchange, or shape them into rings before baking for an authentically Italian look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Italian Christmas Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to a week, making them perfect for baking ahead and nibbling throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, unglazed cookies in layers with parchment between each, seal tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving for that fresh-baked texture and taste.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat Italian Christmas Cookies, if you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave (unglazed) will do the trick. For crispier edges, pop them in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes. Always glaze after reheating to ensure the finish stays perfect.
FAQs
Can I use almond extract instead of anise?
Absolutely! Almond extract gives these cookies a lovely fragrant twist, and it’s a popular variation. You can even use lemon extract for a citrusy change—customize them to match your family’s favorites.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Be careful not to overbake; remove the cookies when they’re set but still pale. Storing them in an airtight container also helps maintain that soft, tender crumb for days.
Can I make Italian Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully. Bake, cool, and freeze the cookies, then glaze and decorate after thawing for best results.
Do I need to use sprinkles?
While the colorful sprinkles are traditional and add festive cheer, you can decorate with chopped nuts, zest, or simply leave them glazed for a minimalist look—they’ll taste just as delicious.
Why is my dough sticky?
A slightly sticky dough is normal for Italian Christmas Cookies and helps create their signature texture. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 20–30 minutes before rolling, or lightly dust your hands with flour.
Final Thoughts
Baking Italian Christmas Cookies fills your home with joy, nostalgia, and holiday spirit unlike anything else. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or simply to treat your loved ones, these cookies promise to bring a smile to every face. Don’t hesitate to give this beloved recipe a try—you’ll be creating delicious memories for years to come!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your holiday guests with these traditional Italian Christmas Cookies. A tender, buttery cookie with a hint of anise, glazed and decorated for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Holiday sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and anise extracts.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until dough forms.
- Form cookies: Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and extract for glaze. Dip cooled cookies in glaze, top with sprinkles, and let set.
Notes
- Experiment with different extracts for varied flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
