Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies are a beloved holiday treat, embodying the warmth and joy of the festive season. These delightful cookies are authentically Italian, tender, and lightly sweetened, making them a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings. Topped with a festive glaze and colorful sprinkles, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Let’s dive into the world of these classic Italian Christmas treats!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
This recipe for Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies offers numerous reasons to love it: they are easy to make, use simple ingredients, and bring a taste of Italy to your home. These cookies are not just delicious; they are also versatile. You can customize them with different sprinkles or flavors, making them perfect for holiday gift ideas. The charming appearance of these authentic Italian festive cookies makes them a great addition to any dessert table, and they are sure to impress guests of all ages. With each bite, you’ll experience why these cookies are popular during Christmas and how they stand out among Italian cookie recipes for Christmas.
Ingredients for Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set but not browned. Let cool.
- Step 6: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Dip cooled cookies into glaze and top with colored sprinkles. Let set before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake — you want them to be soft and tender.
- Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add zest for unique Italian cookies for the holidays.
Best Ways to Serve Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
These cookies shine on any dessert platter. Serve them alongside other festive Italian desserts for Christmas like panettone or tiramisu. They also make great gifts! Package them in decorative boxes for a sweet homemade present. Pairing them with hot cocoa or espresso can elevate the experience even more.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure to separate layers with parchment paper. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature, and they will retain their delightful texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies?
The key to perfect cookies lies in not overmixing the dough and ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container once cooled, and they’ll be perfect when it’s time for holiday gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies?
Common mistakes include overbaking or using cold ingredients. Always check for the cookies to be set but not browned, and use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
Variations of Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or substitute almond extract with lemon for a citrusy flavor. You can also roll the dough in crushed nuts before baking for an added crunch.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or explore seasonal favorites.
Print
Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies: 5 Timeless Treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These authentic Italian Christmas cookies are delightfully tender, lightly sweet, and topped with a festive glaze and sprinkles. A timeless treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set but not browned. Let cool.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Dip cooled cookies into glaze and top with colored sprinkles. Let set before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
