Italian Christmas Cookies

Oh boy, let me tell you—Italian Christmas cookies? They’re like little bites of holiday magic. Every year, my kitchen smells like vanilla, almonds, and sweet memories, and I just can’t get enough!

I still remember sneaking warm cookies off the cooling rack as a kid. Nonna would pretend not to see—she knew we couldn’t resist. These cookies? They bring everyone together, every single time.

You know that feeling when you taste something and it feels like a hug? That’s what these cookies do. And trust me, once you start baking them, your family will beg for them every Christmas.

So, grab your apron—let’s make a batch! It’s easy, I promise. And oh, your house is about to smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft and Tender: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s not overly sweet.
• Family Tradition: A classic Italian holiday recipe passed down through generations.
• Easy to Customize: Change the sprinkles and glaze color to match any celebration.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make this recipe great for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike – they disappear fast!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

• Makes about 36 small cookies, perfect for sharing.
  Need more? Double the recipe with ease.

Difficulty:

• Easy: Suitable for beginners but enjoyable for experienced bakers, too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze
• Spoon or fork for drizzling

Key Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough.
• Almond Flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and softness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff up slightly for a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and tenderness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough without being overpowering.
• Egg: Binds everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth.
• Almond Extract: Offers a delicate, festive flavor.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional): Walnuts or pistachios add crunch and flavor.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (Optional): For a hint of chocolate in every bite.

For the Glaze and Decoration:

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Milk or Water: Thins the glaze to the right consistency.
• Food Coloring (Optional): Add festive colors to the glaze.
• Sprinkles: Classic nonpareils or festive holiday colors.

Variations for Italian Christmas Cookies

• Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the dough for a citrusy touch.
• Anise Flavor: Substitute almond extract with anise extract for a traditional Italian flavor.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a richer treat.
• Nut-Free: Omit chopped nuts if you prefer a smooth texture.
• Colored Dough: Divide the dough and tint portions with red or green food coloring for a fun holiday look.

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • ½ cup almond flour
   • 2 teaspoons baking powder
   • ¼ teaspoon salt
2. Set this mixture aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat:
   • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
   • ¾ cup granulated sugar
2. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

1. Add 1 large egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
2. Pour in:
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • ½ teaspoon almond extract
3. Mix again until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture.
2. Stir with a spoon or mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
3. If using, fold in:
   • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pistachios)
   • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

5. Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape.

6. Preheat and Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roll chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter (about 1 tablespoon of dough each).
4. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

7. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. The cookies should look soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
3. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are versatile and fit into many holiday settings. Here’s how to serve them:

• Holiday Cookie Tray: Arrange them alongside classic favorites like gingerbread men, snowball cookies, and thumbprints.
• Coffee Companion: Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Dessert Platter: Serve with other small sweets like biscotti, Italian almond cookies, or chocolate-dipped fruit.
• Edible Gift: Package them in a festive tin or cellophane bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

These cookies are light and not overly sweet, making them a pleasant addition to any dessert spread without being heavy.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but their flavor deepens after a day. They’re a wonderful addition to:

• Holiday Cookie Platters: Pair with other festive treats like gingerbread or shortbread.
• Coffee or Tea: Their light sweetness complements hot drinks perfectly.
• Dessert Table: Serve alongside fruit or a light dessert like panna cotta.
• Gift Boxes: Pack in decorative tins for homemade holiday gifts.

How to Decorate Italian Christmas Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to glaze and decorate:

1. Make the Simple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or water

The glaze should be smooth and slightly thick. Add more liquid if needed for a drizzling consistency.

2. Add Color (Optional)

• Stir in 1-2 drops of food coloring for festive red, green, or blue glazes.
• Divide the glaze into separate bowls if using multiple colors.

3. Glaze the Cookies

• Use a spoon or fork to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
• Alternatively, dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze.

4. Finish with Sprinkles

• While the glaze is still wet, add holiday sprinkles or colored sugar.
• Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before storing.

Storing Italian Christmas Cookies

Short-Term Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Unfrosted Cookies: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Frosted Cookies: Freeze with parchment paper between layers, but note that the glaze may become slightly sticky upon thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill the Dough: This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps keep their round shape.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be lightly golden at the bottom. They may seem soft when you take them out, but they firm up as they cool.
• Even Sizes: Roll the dough into evenly-sized balls so the cookies bake uniformly.
• Let Glaze Set: Allow enough time for the glaze to harden before storing or stacking the cookies.
• Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a milder almond flavor, reduce the almond extract to ¼ teaspoon or replace it entirely with vanilla extract.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	90 kcal
Carbohydrates	12 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	4 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Sugar	7 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sodium	20 mg

Italian Christmas Cookies FAQs

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I Substitute Almond Flour?

If you don’t have almond flour, just use all-purpose flour instead. The cookies will still be soft but with a slightly different texture.

What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?

Vanilla extract alone works well, but you can also use anise extract for a traditional Italian flavor.

Can I Skip the Glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious plain, but the glaze adds sweetness and a festive look.

How Do I Prevent Cookies From Spreading Too Much?

Chilling the dough is key. If your cookies spread too thin, try chilling the dough for an extra 15-20 minutes before baking.

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Conclusion

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat, combining soft, tender dough with a sweet glaze and festive decorations. Whether you’re baking them for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or a cozy family evening, they bring warmth and tradition to every bite.
Give them a try, and enjoy the simple joy of homemade holiday baking.

Happy baking!