These Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and covered in a simple glaze with festive sprinkles. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season, these cookies have a subtle hint of lemon and almond that makes them truly special. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or just because, these classic Italian treats are sure to bring joy and a touch of tradition to your festivities.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies
2. Instructions for Italian Christmas Cookies
3. Tips & Notes
4. Recipe Variations & Substitutions
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
• Festive sprinkles for decorating

Instructions for Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest, mixing until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• Add milk and mix until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

• Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add more milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

• Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
• Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack and immediately top with festive sprinkles.
• Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.

Tips & Notes

• Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the flavorings by using orange zest instead of lemon or vanilla extract instead of almond if you prefer a different taste.
• Soft Dough: The dough is meant to be quite soft. If it’s too sticky to handle, add a little extra flour, but avoid adding too much as it could make the cookies dense.
• Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to fully set before stacking or storing the cookies to avoid them sticking together.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of the classic glaze, drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for a different look and flavor.
• Anise-Flavored: For a traditional Italian touch, substitute the almond extract with anise extract.
• Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) over the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I store Italian Christmas Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping and baking.

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their soft texture, sweet glaze, and festive sprinkles, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or just because, they’ll bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday season. Give this simple recipe a try, and enjoy the flavors of Italian tradition in every bite!

Happy baking, and enjoy these festive treats!