On cool winter evenings, the sweet smell of baking fills the kitchen and brings joy to your heart. Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe are small, soft, and glazed treats that add a special charm to any holiday platter. Their delicate almond flavour and bright sprinkles catch everyone’s eye. People of all ages love to enjoy these tasty cookies. Once you taste them, you will want to bake them again and again because they remind you of the warmth and love of the holiday season. Try making these cookies at home to share their sweet magic with your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Christmas Cookies
There are so many reasons why the Italian Christmas cookies recipe has become a beloved recipe in countless homes. Their biggest highlight is the incredible almond flavour that melts beautifully into every layer of the cookie. Almond extract is added to both the dough and the glaze, giving each bite a soothing, sweet aroma that feels like pure comfort.
Another reason these cookies are so popular is that they are easy to make. You only need one bowl, which means less mess and quicker cleanup—perfect for busy holiday baking days. Whether you are preparing treats for a Christmas party, New Year’s celebration, or simply enjoying a cosy night with family, these cookies bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. And because they’re soft, bite-sized, and beautifully decorated, they look stunning on dessert platters and gift boxes.
Once you bake them, you’ll understand why they’re loved across generations—and why they’re worth making year after year.
Ingredients needed
These cookies use simple kitchen ingredients but deliver a rich and festive flavour:
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter: 1 stick
- Sugar: ¾ cup
- Eggs: 3 large
- Almond extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Almond extract (a few drops)
- Colored sprinkles or holiday nonpareils
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies
Step-by-Step Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and salt together until the mixture becomes soft, fluffy, and creamy. This step is what gives the cookies their tender texture.
- Add the eggs and almond extract, whisking gently until everything blends smoothly. This ensures the almond fragrance spreads throughout the dough.
- Sprinkle in the baking powder, then slowly add the flour, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid over-mixing or making the dough too firm—soft dough equals soft cookies.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easy to scoop.
- Set the oven temperature to 350°F, or 180°C. Gather tiny spoonfuls of dough and form them into tiny balls. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the bottoms turn golden and small cracks appear on top. Let them cool completely before glazing, so the icing sets perfectly and doesn’t melt.
How to Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of almond extract. Mix until smooth and thick. Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze and sprinkle with colourful nonpareils or festive red-and-green decorations. Let them dry for a few minutes until the glaze sets.
Variations to Try
If you don’t like the almond flavour, you can add vanilla extract to both the dough and the glaze, which will give you a wonderful flavour. While sprinkles are no match, you can use festive red and green decorations or plain colored sprinkles to enhance the cookies.
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe are not just a treat, but a sweet symbol of love and togetherness during the holidays. Their almond aroma and soft texture make every moment special and memorable. You can make them in advance and store them easily in an airtight container. Arrange them on a Christmas plate and add sweetness, smiles, and magic to your festivities.
