Italian Christmas cookies are a delightful treat that bring the joy of the holiday season to your home! These colorful and festive cookies come in all shapes and sizes, often filled with sweet flavors like almond, anise, and chocolate. From classic Italian favorites like pizzelle and biscotti to soft and chewy ricotta cookies, each bite is a little taste of tradition. Making these cookies is a wonderful way to share time with family and create sweet memories together.
Why Italian Christmas Cookies Are a Must-Try This Holiday Season
There’s just something magical about these cookies that brings warmth to any gathering. The soft, cake-like texture, topped with sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, instantly reminds you of the holidays. They are perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients List
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
Timing
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
Step 1- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and almond extract until well-combined.
Step 3- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
Step 6- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cookies to cool completely. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each cookie top into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
Tips for Baking the Best Italian Christmas Cookies
1- Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted to give the cookies their tender texture.
2- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on them; you want a soft center.
3- Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
How to Decorate Italian Christmas Cookies for a Festive Touch
The icing glaze is your blank canvas! You can sprinkle red, green, and white sprinkles for a traditional holiday look. For a more personalized touch, add edible glitter or gold stars. You could also pipe some icing designs if you’re feeling creative.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations of Italian Christmas Cookies:
1- Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour mix.
2- Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2 1/2 tablespoons water per egg), and swap the butter with vegan butter.
Storing and Freezing Italian Christmas Cookies for Maximum Freshness
1- Storing: These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
2- Freezing: You can freeze the cookies without the glaze for up to 2 months. Just glaze them once thawed for best results.
Italian Christmas Cookie Gift Ideas for Friends and Family
These cookies make the perfect holiday gift! Arrange them in a decorative tin with parchment paper, or add a personal touch with a handwritten recipe card. Your friends and family will love receiving this festive treat.
What to Serve with Italian Christmas Cookies: Perfect Pairings
Serve these cookies with a steaming cup of espresso or hot cocoa. They also pair beautifully with a glass of sweet Italian wine or as part of a holiday cookie platter.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per Cookie: 130
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like baking Italian Christmas Cookies during the holidays. The sweet, nostalgic flavors and the joy of decorating them make these cookies a must-try for anyone who loves festive treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, these cookies will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas.