Italian Christmas Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that embody the spirit of the season with their soft texture, delicate almond-vanilla flavor, and simple elegance. These cookies are light, subtly sweet, and traditionally served plain or with a festive glaze and sprinkles. They’re perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies strike the perfect balance between simplicity and charm. With a tender, cake-like texture and delightful flavor from both vanilla and almond extracts, they appeal to all ages and occasions. The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies bake quickly, making them an excellent choice for busy holiday baking. Customize them with your favorite glazes or decorations to make them uniquely yours.
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
directions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. - Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. - Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale, and the cookies should be soft and slightly puffy. - Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is, or glaze and decorate as desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Classic Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract. Dip cooled cookies and top with festive sprinkles.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy note.
- Anise Flavor: Replace almond extract with anise extract for a more traditional Italian taste.
- Holiday Colors: Tint the glaze with red or green food coloring for a festive finish.
- Filled Version: Flatten the dough slightly and place a small piece of chocolate or jam in the center before rolling into a ball.
storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. If glazed, allow the glaze to set completely before storing. To refresh slightly dry cookies, microwave for 5–7 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I glaze these cookies?
Yes, a simple sugar glaze adds a lovely touch. Let the cookies cool completely before glazing.
What’s the texture of these cookies?
They have a soft, almost cake-like texture with a tender crumb.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, the dough can be frozen. Roll it into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, they’re mildly sweet, which makes them ideal for glazing or pairing with sweeter desserts.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well if you’re baking for a crowd or making holiday gift boxes.
Can I use only vanilla extract?
Yes, you can omit the almond extract and use only vanilla, though the almond adds a unique flavor traditionally associated with Italian cookies.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Do not overbake, and store them in an airtight container to preserve their soft texture.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If using salted butter, omit any additional salt.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to adapt this recipe for gluten-free baking.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is not required for this recipe, but you can chill it for easier shaping if your kitchen is warm.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond. A holiday favorite, these classic cookies are easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract
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2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Gradually add to wet mixture until fully incorporated. -
Shape the Dough:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. -
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden. Cookies should be soft. -
Cool and Serve:
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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Add icing and festive sprinkles for a more traditional holiday presentation.
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You can substitute almond extract with lemon extract for a citrus twist.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
