Name: Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 cup sugar.; 1 cup butter (softened).; 3 large eggs.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 1 tsp almond extract.; 1 tbsp baking powder.; 1/2 tsp salt.; 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional).; 2 cups powdered sugar.; 2-3 tbsp milk (or water).; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; Food coloring (red, green, or any festive colors).; Sprinkles (for decoration).

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table. Soft and lightly sweet, they’re flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, making them a delicious treat for all ages. The icing adds a festive touch, with bright colors and sprinkles perfect for the season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or preparing a batch as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days, making them a great make-ahead option for the busy holiday season.

Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and colorful treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. These soft, flavorful cookies are beautifully decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a joyful addition to any cookie platter. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a delightful flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery texture of the cookies.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful Italian Christmas Cookies.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 3 cups of flour provides the structure for these cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
Sugar: 1 cup of sugar adds sweetness to the dough, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Butter: 1 cup of softened butter adds richness and moisture to the cookies, giving them a soft texture.
Eggs: 3 large eggs help bind the dough and add structure.
Vanilla and Almond Extracts: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract give the cookies their signature flavor.
Baking Powder and Salt: 1 tablespoon of baking powder ensures the cookies rise properly, while 1/2 teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavor.
Lemon Zest (optional): 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest can be added for a bright, citrusy flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest (if using) until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 5: Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. The icing should be thick but spreadable. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each to create festive colors like red, green, or any color you like.
Step 8: Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops in the colored icing and immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your Italian Christmas Cookies on a festive platter, making them a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Their colorful icing and sprinkles add a fun, festive touch to cookie platters.
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also prepare them ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months, just be sure to freeze them before icing and decorating.
If you’re gifting these cookies, place them in decorative tins or bags tied with holiday ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present.

Helpful Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a bit of citrus zest—lemon or orange zest works wonderfully with the almond and vanilla extracts.
If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a minute or two.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant icing colors. Gel coloring will give a stronger hue without thinning the icing as liquid food coloring might.

Tips from well-known chefs

Giada De Laurentiis: Add a dash of amaretto or almond liqueur to the icing for an extra almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the cookie base.
Martha Stewart: For perfectly uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to ensure each dough ball is the same size.
Ina Garten: Use high-quality vanilla and almond extracts for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in simple cookie recipes like this one.