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🎄 Easy Italian Christmas Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Holiday-Perfect

These Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are classic holiday treats—soft, lightly sweet, and topped with a simple vanilla glaze and festive sprinkles. They’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for cookie trays, Christmas parties, or gifting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Bake 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Holiday Baking, Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract optional, traditional flavor
  • ¼ tsp salt
Glaze
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping
  • Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden (tops should stay pale).
  8. Cool completely before glazing.
  9. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  10. Dip cookies into glaze and immediately top with sprinkles.
  11. Let glaze set before serving or storing.

Notes

Don’t overbake—Italian cookies should stay soft and tender.
Almond extract adds authentic flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Cookies freeze well without glaze for up to 2 months.
Perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday gift boxes.