Easy Italian Christmas Cookies ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from home bakers and holiday dessert lovers)
Tender | Lightly Sweet | Family-Approved
These Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday favorite made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and festive sprinkles. Soft, cake-like, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Makes: 30 cookies
Budget-Friendly
Texture: Soft and tender
Perfect For: Christmas baking, cookie exchanges, and holiday gatherings
Easy Italian Christmas Cookies Ingredients – Simple and Traditional
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Vanilla Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles, optional
How to Make Easy Italian Christmas Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 3: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 5: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze or spoon it over them, then immediately add sprinkles if using. Let the glaze set before serving.
Festive Variations and Flavor Ideas
- Add lemon zest for a bright citrus note
- Use anise extract instead of almond for a traditional twist
- Tint the glaze with food coloring for holiday themes
- Top with nonpareils or crushed sugar cookies
What Everyone’s Saying About These Cookies
“These taste exactly like the cookies my Italian grandmother used to make.” – Maria L.
“So easy and soft. Perfect for my Christmas cookie trays.” – Anthony R.
“The glaze sets beautifully and they stay tender for days.” – Nicole P.
🎄 Easy Italian Christmas Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Holiday-Perfect
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden (tops should stay pale).
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip cookies into glaze and immediately top with sprinkles.
- Let glaze set before serving or storing.
Notes
FAQ – Easy Italian Christmas Cookies
For another soft and festive cookie, don’t miss Cristal Recipes’ Crumbl Christmas Sugar Cookies, a holiday favorite everyone loves.
