Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas cookies are a beloved holiday tradition—soft, buttery cookies topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles. In this festive version, the dough is rolled out and cut into fun holiday shapes, then decorated with a glaze that sets beautifully. Finished with red, green, and white sprinkles, they look just as magical as they taste.

These cookies are tender inside with a delicate vanilla or almond flavor. They’re simple to make, fun to decorate with kids, and perfect for adding to Christmas cookie trays, gifting in holiday tins, or serving alongside hot cocoa by the Christmas tree. A true holiday classic, Italian Christmas cookies bring joy and tradition to every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond/anise extract for variation)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup milk

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond/anise extract)
• Red, green, and white sprinkles

Preparation

Step 1: Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until dough is soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Cut into shapes using holiday cookie cutters (stars, flowers, trees, etc.).
• Place on parchment-lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.

Step 3: Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just lightly golden.
• Remove and cool completely on wire racks before glazing.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

• In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Dip tops of cooled cookies into glaze, letting excess drip off.
• Immediately add red, green, and white sprinkles before glaze sets.

Step 5: Dry and Serve

• Place glazed cookies on racks until icing hardens.
• Store in airtight containers.

Variations

• Lemon Glaze: Replace milk with lemon juice and add zest for citrus brightness.
• Anise Flavor: Use anise extract in both dough and glaze for an authentic Italian touch.
• Almond Cookies: Add almond extract and top with slivered almonds under glaze.
• Iced Designs: Use thicker glaze and pipe patterns instead of dipping.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on Christmas cookie trays with biscotti, gingerbread, and sugar cookies.
• Pack in decorative tins for edible gifts.
• Serve with espresso, coffee, or hot cocoa during gatherings.
• Use as festive edible décor on dessert tables.

Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx. 36 cookies)

• Calories: 95
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 40mg

Conclusion

Italian Christmas cookies are festive, tender, and irresistibly sweet. With their soft texture, simple glaze, and cheerful holiday sprinkles, they’re the perfect cookie for Christmas trays, gift boxes, or family gatherings. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are a timeless tradition that adds joy and flavor to the holiday season.