The holiday season is a time for baking and sharing special treats, and Italian Christmas Cookies have a unique way of bringing joy to any celebration. These soft, flavorful cookies with a delicate glaze are perfect for your holiday table or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of tradition or simply love the rich flavors of vanilla and almond, this recipe will become your go-to for festive cookie baking.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, steps, and tips for making Italian Christmas Cookies. You’ll also learn how to customize them to suit your taste and get answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!
What Are Italian Christmas Cookies?
Italian Christmas Cookies are traditional holiday cookies often served during the Christmas season. Known for their light and fluffy texture, these cookies are flavored with almond and vanilla extracts, giving them a rich and aromatic flavor. A sweet glaze, often topped with colorful sprinkles, adds a festive touch to these treats. They’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite during the holidays.
Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. The ingredients are simple, yet when combined, they create a cookie that’s full of flavor and holiday charm.
For the Cookies:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookies, providing structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the cookies rich and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic essence.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Adds a signature nutty flavor that’s essential for Italian Christmas Cookies.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps the dough come together.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds texture and a nutty crunch.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For a bit of chocolatey goodness.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze.
- 2-3 tbsp milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.
- Colored sprinkles (optional): For a festive, decorative touch.
Optional Flavor Additions
- Zest of one lemon or orange: For a citrusy kick.
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg: Adds warmth and spice to the cookie dough.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making these delightful Italian Christmas Cookies.
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving a soft cookie texture.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, which are the stars of the flavor show. The almond extract gives these cookies their traditional Italian flavor, while the vanilla adds warmth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough. If you’re adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
2. Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, use a tablespoon to scoop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For a more decorative touch, you can roll the dough into small balls or shape them into crescents.
3. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You want to avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Glaze
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
5. Glaze the Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or fork. If you want to get extra festive, sprinkle colored sprinkles over the glaze before it sets. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies a beautiful, shiny finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Italian Christmas Cookies are ready to be served! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee. These cookies are sure to impress both in taste and appearance.
Notes and Tips for the Best Italian Christmas Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Italian Christmas Cookies come out perfect every time:
- Chill the Dough: If your dough seems too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will make the dough easier to handle and help the cookies hold their shape.
- Avoid Overmixing: When mixing the dough, stop as soon as the flour is fully incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to get creative! You can substitute almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a citrus twist, or add a dash of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and glaze them.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in. These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for the holidays, but you can also make them slightly healthier by using alternative ingredients like whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar content.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving):
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin D: 0.2mcg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Italian Christmas Cookies
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked (unglazed) cookies for up to three months. Just glaze them when you’re ready to serve!
The key to soft cookies is to avoid overbaking. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden, as they’ll continue to cook while cooling. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture.
Absolutely! While almond extract is traditional, you can substitute it with lemon, orange, or even anise extract for a unique flavor profile. Adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon can also enhance the flavor.
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to freeze them, freeze the unglazed cookies and add the glaze once they’ve thawed.
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The result will still be soft and delicious.
Conclusion: The Perfect Holiday Cookie
Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and flavorful addition to any holiday celebration. With their tender texture, rich flavor, and beautiful glaze, these cookies are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking them for your family or giving them as gifts, this recipe is simple, delicious, and adaptable to suit your preferences. Happy baking!
More Relevant Recipes
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Italian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, almond-flavored cookies topped with a simple sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are easy to make and add a touch of tradition to your celebrations.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Optional Additions:
Adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can elevate the flavors and give your cookies that extra something special. They’re optional but highly recommended if you’re feeling adventurous.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Now, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This step ensures your dough is smooth and well-mixed. If you’d like, fold in the optional chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips to add a little crunch and extra sweetness.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Now it’s time to shape your Italian Christmas Cookies. Using rounded tablespoons of dough, drop them onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. If you’re feeling creative, you can also roll the dough into small balls or shape them into crescents, adding a bit of variety to your cookie platter.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Place your cookie-filled baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential before adding the glaze.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still pourable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Glaze the Cookies
Once your cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or fork. For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade Italian Christmas Cookies are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply on their own as a sweet treat during the holiday season. These cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Notes
- Customize the flavor: If you’re not a fan of almond extract, feel free to replace it with more vanilla extract, or try other flavors like lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cookies and glaze them once thawed.
- Glaze variety: Want a different glaze? Try adding a few drops of food coloring to the glaze to make your cookies even more festive!
- Vegan option: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg