Joyful Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Soft and crumbly italian christmas cookies have been a beloved tradition in my kitchen for generations.

Memories of my nonna carefully mixing ingredients still warm my heart.

Sweet powdered sugar coatings remind me of festive winter gatherings.

Delicate almond flavors dance across each perfectly baked morsel.

These simple yet elegant treats connect generations through shared culinary love.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistible.

Classic Italian Christmas Cookies

• Create Festive Memories: Craft these traditional Italian Christmas cookies that bring warmth and joy to holiday gatherings, perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating cherished family traditions.
• Simplify Holiday Baking: Master a straightforward recipe that requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers looking to spread some holiday cheer.
• Versatile Flavor Customization: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla, almond, or anise to personalize the cookies' taste, allowing you to create a unique treat that matches your family's preferences.
• Stress-Free Holiday Dessert: Prepare these cookies ahead of time by chilling or freezing the dough, giving you flexibility during the busy holiday season and ensuring fresh, delightful treats are always within reach.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Christmas Cookies

• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cookie dough together.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie's golden color.
• Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Cream or Milk, Salt: Create a smooth, sweet glaze for coating the cookies.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Add festive color and decorative touch to the finished cookies.

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

Mix eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend until smooth and well combined.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold everything together until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 2: Shape and Chill Cookie Balls

Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into round balls using your palms.

Place the dough balls on a clean tray. Pop the tray into the refrigerator for one hour to firm up the cookies.

For a speedier option, place the tray in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Arrange chilled dough balls with enough space between them.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 9 minutes. Look for cookies that are set on top with lightly golden bottoms.

Remove and transfer to cooling racks.

Step 4: Create Creamy White Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Warm cream or milk

Stir until the mixture reaches a smooth, silky consistency.

Step 5: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

Once cookies are completely cool, dunk the tops into the glaze. Immediately sprinkle with festive holiday decorations.

Let the glaze set before serving these delightful treats.

Pro Tips for Italian Christmas Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' shape during baking.
• Try different extracts like almond, vanilla, or lemon to create unique flavor profiles for your Italian Christmas cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent dough texture.
• Add a touch of festive spirit by using holiday-themed sprinkles or colorful decorative sugars for a more vibrant look.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness and soft texture.

Variations to Try on Italian Christmas Cookies

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Vegan Winter Treats: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and select plant-based milk for the glaze to create a completely dairy-free cookie option.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce glaze sweetness by using less powdered sugar, perfect for those monitoring sugar intake.
• Almond-Infused Festive Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract, add crushed almonds to the dough, and sprinkle almond slivers on top for a nutty, sophisticated holiday treat.

Pairing Ideas with Italian Christmas Cookies

• Rich, bold espresso cuts through the sweetness of these Italian Christmas cookies, creating a perfect balance of flavors that enhances the delicate texture.
• Warm, spiced mulled wine complements the cookie's subtle sweetness, bringing out the extract's nuanced flavor profile and adding a cozy holiday touch.
• Smooth amaretto liqueur echoes the cookie's almond or vanilla notes, providing a luxurious adult twist to the traditional Christmas treat that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Aromatic chai tea with its warm spices mirrors the cookie's delicate flavor, creating a comforting and harmonious pairing that feels like a festive embrace.

Proper Storage for Italian Christmas Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sprinkles from bleeding.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain protected from freezer burn.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to prevent hardening. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore soft texture.

FAQs

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The dough can also be frozen for up to a month before baking.

• What extracts work best for these cookies?

Almond, vanilla, and anise extract are traditional choices that add wonderful flavor. Lemon or orange extract can also create a delightful twist to the classic recipe.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough is key. Always refrigerate the dough balls for at least an hour before baking, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Italian Christmas Cookies bring joy to holiday celebrations with their delicate, powdery sweetness. Memories of family gatherings and traditional baking techniques shine through each carefully crafted bite you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 6 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp extract (almond, anise, or vanilla)
• 1 pinch salt

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp extract (almond or vanilla)
• 1 pinch salt
• 3–4 tbsps cream or milk (warmed)
• christmas sprinkles (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Craft a creamy base by vigorously whisking eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and chosen extract in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
2. Gradually fold in flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring consistently until a uniform, soft dough emerges that pulls away from bowl edges.
3. Gently form compact dough spheres using a tablespoon, arranging them on a chilled tray. Refrigerate for 60 minutes or quick-freeze for 15-20 minutes to enhance structural integrity.
4. Heat oven to 350°F. Position chilled dough balls on parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them evenly to prevent merging during baking.
5. Bake precisely 9 minutes until cookie edges turn delicately golden while maintaining a pristine white top surface. Edges should appear slightly firm.
6. Transfer freshly baked cookies onto wire cooling racks, allowing complete temperature reduction before embellishing.
7. Prepare glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar, extract, salt, and warm cream until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
8. Immerse cookie tops into glaze, allowing excess to drip. Immediately sprinkle festive decorations before glaze solidifies.
9. Rest cookies until glaze sets completely, creating a beautiful, glossy Christmas treat.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond, vanilla, or lemon to create unique flavor variations that suit different palates.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent dough texture, which helps achieve a more even bake.
• Make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, keeping the delicate texture intact.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 56 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg