Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with hints of vanilla and almond, making them a festive favorite during the holiday season. Topped with a sweet glaze and cheerful sprinkles, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually charming—perfect for gift boxes, cookie platters, or cozy family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and always a crowd-pleaser. With their tender texture and subtle almond flavor, they offer a classic taste of Italian holiday tradition. The simple powdered sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles make them ideal for adding a touch of festive flair to any dessert table. This recipe is great for baking with kids, sharing with friends, or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles for decoration

directions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze and Decorate
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until a smooth glaze forms. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and decorate with festive sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories per cookie: Approximately 120 kcal

Variations

Lemon Twist: Replace almond extract with lemon extract and add a bit of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy version.
Chocolate Glaze: Add cocoa powder to the glaze for a chocolate-dipped alternative.
Anise Flavor: For a more traditional Italian taste, substitute almond extract with anise extract.
Colorful Dough: Add a drop or two of food coloring to the dough for added holiday fun.
Sprinkle Variety: Use different sprinkle shapes or colors for various holidays and celebrations.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 1 month. If freezing, glaze and decorate after thawing. Avoid reheating, as these cookies are best served at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this dough does not require chilling, but you can chill it for easier handling if desired.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze typically sets within 30–60 minutes at room temperature, depending on humidity.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well for larger batches.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works well for mixing the dough.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can use only vanilla extract or substitute with another flavoring such as lemon or anise.

How do I store glazed cookies?

Keep them in a single layer or with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Can I add food coloring to the glaze?

Yes, you can tint the glaze with food coloring to match any theme or celebration.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the unglazed cookies in an airtight container. Glaze and decorate after thawing for best results.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive, nostalgic treat that bring both beauty and flavor to your holiday dessert table. With their soft texture, classic vanilla-almond taste, and playful sprinkles, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring with loved ones. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, this timeless recipe is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.

Italian Christmas Cookies

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a simple glaze and festive sprinkles. A classic holiday cookie that’s perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or gifting! #italiancookies #christmasbaking #holidaycookies

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, then mix in vanilla and almond extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine with wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Shape and Bake: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on the sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Glaze and Decorate: Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make glaze. Dip tops of cooled cookies, then decorate with sprinkles. Allow glaze to set.

Notes

These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Swap almond extract for lemon or anise for a flavor twist.
Let kids help with the decorating for a fun family baking activity.