If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings warmth, tradition, and a sprinkle of joy to your holiday celebrations, this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, cake-like cookies, lightly flavored with vanilla and a hint of anise, are coated in a sweet, glossy glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles that make every bite feel like a celebration. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holidays, these cookies capture the heart of Italian holiday baking in every delightful mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and that light sweetness that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb essential for these soft cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise for a light, cakey texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and contributes to the moist, tender dough.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant base flavor.
- 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional): Brings a subtle licorice-like aroma that is traditional and festive.
- ¼ cup milk: Lightens the dough, ensuring it stays soft and tender.
- For the glaze: 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – these combine to create the sweet, shiny finish.
- Holiday sprinkles: Add that cheerful, colorful crunch perfect for the season.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray with ease.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt so your cookies rise perfectly and have balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender texture and ensuring the sugar dissolves properly.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla and anise extracts. The anise is optional but adds that classic Italian flair that makes these cookies truly special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies light and tender.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the bottoms turn lightly golden.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply Glaze
While the cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into this glaze, letting any excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles so they stick beautifully. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look stunning with colorful holiday sprinkles on top, but you can also get creative by adding finely chopped nuts or edible glitter for an extra sparkle. The glaze gives them a beautiful shine that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Side Dishes
Pair these cake-like cookies with a hot cup of espresso, spiced cider, or rich hot chocolate for a cozy holiday experience. Their soft texture and sweet coating complement warm drinks perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe on decorative holiday platters or stack them in mason jars tied with festive ribbons as charming edible gifts. You can even create a cookie tower for a party centerpiece that guests will love to nibble on throughout the evening.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and the glaze intact. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies glazed or unglazed. For best results, freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake and glaze directly from frozen, adding a little extra bake time.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their softness without melting the glaze or sprinkles too much.
FAQs
Can I omit the anise extract?
Absolutely! The anise is traditional but optional. You can substitute it with lemon or almond extract if you prefer a different flavor profile, or leave it out entirely for a classic vanilla taste.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. The glaze helps seal in moisture, keeping them tender and flavorful.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge tightly wrapped. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Definitely! Their soft texture, sweet glaze, and fun sprinkles make them a big hit with kids of all ages. Just keep an eye on the anise extract if your little ones prefer simpler flavors.
What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?
No worries! You can use any colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even finely chopped nuts to add a festive touch to your glazed cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about sharing a batch of homemade Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe during the holidays. They are not only delicious but carry a sense of tradition and joy that brightens any celebration. So go ahead, whip up a batch, savor the warm aromas, and fill your home with festive cheer. Trust me, these soft, glazed gems will quickly become a beloved part of your holiday baking routine.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These traditional Italian Christmas cookies are soft, cake-like treats coated in a sweet glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles. Lightly flavored with vanilla and a hint of anise, they’re festive, nostalgic, and perfect for holiday cookie trays or gifting.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
- ¼ cup milk
Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Then mix in vanilla and anise extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and lightly golden on the bottom, indicating they are cooked through but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to form a sweet glaze for topping the cookies.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set fully before serving or storing the cookies to preserve the topping’s texture and appearance.
Notes
- Substitute lemon or almond extract for the anise extract depending on your flavor preference for a different twist.
- These cookies freeze well both glazed and unglazed, making them convenient for holiday preparations and exchanges.
