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The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, cozy evenings, and plenty of delicious food. Among the many treats that appear on festive tables, Italian Christmas Cookies hold a special place. Known for their soft, cake-like texture and delicate glaze, these cookies are a staple in Italian households and have become beloved worldwide.
Unlike crisp sugar cookies or buttery shortbread, Italian Christmas Cookies are tender and almost melt in your mouth. They’re typically flavored with vanilla, almond, or anise extract, then coated in a simple powdered sugar glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles. Their cheerful look makes them perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
I first discovered them when a neighbor of Italian heritage shared a tray during a Christmas party. At first glance, they looked like little festive snowballs, but once I bit into one, I was hooked. The flavor was light yet satisfying, and the soft, almost cake-like crumb was unlike any cookie I had tried before. Ever since, they’ve become a non-negotiable part of my December baking list.
Why Make Italian Christmas Cookies?
There are plenty of reasons these cookies stand out during the holiday season:
Heritage and Tradition – These cookies have been enjoyed in Italy and Italian-American households for generations. Baking them is a way to connect with culinary history and cultural traditions.
Simplicity – The recipe uses basic pantry staples and straightforward steps, making it approachable even for novice bakers.
Soft and Tender Texture – Their unique texture sets them apart from other Christmas cookies. They’re not too sweet, making them perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
Endless Flavor Options – While classic versions use anise, variations include lemon, almond, or chocolate, giving you flexibility to suit different tastes.
Festive Appearance – The glaze and sprinkles make them look joyful and perfect for holiday cookie trays.
If you enjoy celebrating the season with recipes that balance flavor, tradition, and wellness, you’ll love exploring The Encyclopedia of Power Foods, which highlights nutrient-rich ingredients and recipes for every occasion.
Ingredients List
This recipe makes about 40 cookies.
For the Cookies
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or anise extract for a traditional version)
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added depth)
For the Glaze
3 cups powdered sugar
4–5 tablespoons milk (start with 4 and add more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla, anise, or lemon extract
Assorted holiday sprinkles
Read More: 15 Irresistible Christmas Cookies to Bake, Share, and Celebrate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed and prevents clumps in the dough.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the dough, creating that signature soft texture.
Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents the batter from curdling and keeps the texture smooth.
Add extracts: Stir in vanilla and almond (or anise) extract. Flavoring the dough now ensures every cookie has a balanced flavor.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Shape the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Avoid overbaking—these cookies are meant to be soft.
Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully before glazing. Glazing warm cookies can cause the icing to run off.
Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thicker glaze) or more milk (for thinner glaze).
Glaze and decorate: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, then immediately top with sprinkles. Place them back on the wire rack until the glaze sets, about 1–2 hours.
For more step-by-step recipes that highlight both tradition and nutrition, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is a resource you’ll want on your shelf.
Tips and Substitutions
Flavor options: Traditional Italian cookies use anise, which has a licorice-like taste. If you’re not a fan, substitute with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract.
Make ahead: You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.
Batch baking: Double the recipe if baking for large gatherings. The dough holds up well and can be baked in multiple batches.
Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil and use plant-based milk for the glaze.
Gluten-free adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be soft and flavorful.
Decorating ideas: Beyond sprinkles, try crushed nuts, candied cherries, or edible gold dust for a festive twist.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Italian Cookies: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract in both dough and glaze. The bright citrus pairs beautifully with the tender crumb.
Chocolate Glazed Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze and drizzle over cookies for a rich, chocolatey finish.
Nutty Cookies: Mix ½ cup finely chopped almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Spiced Holiday Version: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, seasonal variation.
Shaped Cookies: Roll the dough slightly flatter and use cookie cutters to make stars, bells, or wreaths. Glaze and decorate to match the shapes.
For more creative and health-focused twists on traditional recipes, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods provides endless inspiration.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sodium: 70 mg
Sugars: 9 g
Nutrients: Vitamin B2 (eggs), calcium (milk), antioxidants (nuts or lemon zest variations)
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze and decorate before serving.
Serving ideas:
Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a traditional Italian experience.
Arrange on a holiday cookie platter with biscotti, pizzelles, and amaretti.
Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags for homemade holiday gifts.
If you enjoy practical storage tips and serving inspiration for all types of recipes, you’ll appreciate the guidance in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
Common Questions
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose?
It’s better to use all-purpose flour and adjust the leavening with baking powder and baking soda.
Why are my cookies dry?
Dryness usually comes from overbaking. Pull them from the oven as soon as the bottoms turn lightly golden.
Do I have to use anise extract?
No, while traditional, you can substitute with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just be mindful not to overcrowd your oven. Bake in batches to maintain consistent results.
Are these cookies very sweet?
No, the dough itself is lightly sweetened, and the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday dessert. They represent tradition, family, and the joy of sharing homemade treats during the season of giving. With their soft texture, delicate glaze, and festive decoration, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, or cozy afternoons with loved ones.
By experimenting with flavors like lemon, almond, or chocolate, you can make them uniquely your own while still honoring the classic recipe. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or keeping up with family traditions, these cookies will surely become a staple in your holiday celebrations.
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