When the holiday season rolls around, nothing warms my heart quite like baking up a batch of Italian Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays Recipe. These tender, buttery little delights, softly glazed and lightly sprinkled, bring a sense of joy and nostalgia that fills any kitchen with holiday cheer. The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the special almond and vanilla extracts that create a delicate, unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re new to Italian holiday treats or a seasoned pro, these cookies are sure to become an essential part of your festive celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is half the magic of these Italian Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the powdered sugar glaze that crowns each cookie with a sweet finish.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure and that perfect tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise lightly, creating a soft texture without heaviness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor crucial to these cookies.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right while working with the butter for fluffiness.
- 3 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for a tender finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Classic flavor that makes these cookies truly Italian and festive.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet glaze that gives these cookies their iconic look.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect consistency for dipping.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze: Adds just a hint of extra flavor to the finishing touch.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional): For a festive pop of color and merry crunch atop the glaze.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep sets the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening so your cookies rise just right and have a tender crumb without any salty pockets.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical because the air you incorporate here will give your cookies a lighter texture once baked.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These extracts are the heart of the flavor, infusing each bite with that classic Italian holiday aroma.
Step 5: Combine Mixture and Form Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid tough cookies. The dough will be soft and ready for rolling.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden bottoms while keeping the tops pale for the traditional appearance.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before dipping the tops in a smooth powdered sugar glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If you want, add holiday sprinkles to celebrate the season. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes add an extra layer of festive charm. A gentle dusting of extra powdered sugar or colorful holiday sprinkles enhances the visual appeal. For an elegant touch, finely chopped nuts or edible glitter can also be delightful additions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced holiday teas. Serving them alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit can balance the sweetness and create a festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun. Try arranging these Italian Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays Recipe on a decorative holiday platter or tin layered with festive paper. Wrapping small stacks in cellophane with ribbons makes perfect edible gifts to share the love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and fully set, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep fresh and delicious for several days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday gatherings.
Freezing
You can also freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies before glazing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw at room temperature before baking or glazing.
Reheating
Reheating is simple—warm cookies gently in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving to keep the glaze intact and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon extract for almond extract?
Absolutely! Lemon extract adds a bright, citrusy twist that is another beloved variation of this traditional recipe. Use the same quantity for a delightful change.
Why do the cookies need to stay pale on top?
The pale tops are a hallmark of Italian Christmas Cookies. They ensure tenderness by preventing overbaking and keep the cookies soft rather than crispy.
How do I avoid the cookies sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is key. These safeguards prevent sticking and promote even baking without added grease.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
What is the best way to store glazed cookies during the holidays?
Airtight containers at room temperature work best to keep the glaze from cracking and maintain that melt-in-your-mouth softness for days.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the cozy, joyful spirit of the season with the Italian Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays Recipe is a true delight. There’s something wonderfully heartwarming about sharing these tender, sweet treats with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your holiday baking lineup year after year. Happy baking and buone feste!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring a soft, buttery dough flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, baked to a light golden perfection and topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze and festive sprinkles. Perfect for sharing and celebrating the season with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms that holds together but is not sticky.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced, about 2 inches apart, on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The bottoms should turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale and soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets or a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly runny, suitable for dipping.
- Glaze and decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze and apply holiday sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies should remain light in color; avoid overbaking to maintain their traditional appearance and texture.
- You can substitute almond extract with lemon extract for a classic variation that offers a bright, citrus flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for several days to keep them fresh and maintain their soft texture.
