Name: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486352H55M56S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1⅓ cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk (any fat percentage); ½ teaspoon almond extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons nonpareils

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one treat that perfectly captures the warmth and festivity of the season, it’s Italian Christmas Cookies. These little gems, delicately glazed and sprinkled with a shower of colorful nonpareils, have charmed generations with their tender crumb and subtle almond flavor. Every bite brings back cozy memories of family kitchens filled with laughter, and holiday tables piled high with sweets. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment by the tree, Italian Christmas Cookies make any gathering instantly feel like a special occasion.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Italian Christmas Cookies is all in the mix of humble, classic baking ingredients. Each one plays its part, ensuring tender cookies and a perfectly balanced sweetness that’s never overpowering—plus, you probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already!

Unsalted butter: Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming, which makes for a soft and fluffy cookie base.
Eggs: Three large eggs add richness and help bind the dough; make sure they’re at room temperature for the best texture.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure without weighing them down.
Baking powder: This leavening agent gives the cookies a gentle lift and lightness as they bake.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the dough and helps the cookies develop a lovely golden color.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Almond extract: The signature aroma and flavor—you’ll use it in both the dough and the glaze for that true Italian Christmas Cookies taste.
Powdered sugar: The secret to a smooth, glossy glaze that coats each cookie with delicate sweetness.
Milk: Any fat percentage works; it loosens the glaze so it’s easy to dip.
Nonpareils: Those festive, colorful sprinkles are the finishing touch, making these treats absolutely irresistible!

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. A little prep now means less cleanup later and perfectly baked cookies every time!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed. You’ll want to beat them until the mixture looks light and fluffy, which sets the foundation for a tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Next, add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in that glorious almond extract—don’t skip it! It’s what gives Italian Christmas Cookies their incredibly distinctive flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until you have a soft, smooth dough. Be careful not to overmix, just until everything is combined.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball between your palms. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets; this gives them room to bake evenly and keeps them from sticking together.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms just start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—you want them tender, not crisp! Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until your glaze is silky smooth. Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, then quickly sprinkle on the nonpareils before the glaze sets. Let them rest on the rack until the glaze is firm and wonderfully shiny.

How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

The beauty of Italian Christmas Cookies is in their colorful simplicity, but if you’d like to dress them up even more, a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a few slivers of toasted almonds can add an extra festive touch. Just be sure to garnish while the glaze is still wet so everything sticks beautifully!

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cup of strong espresso, a mug of hot cocoa, or even your favorite herbal tea. If you’re setting out a holiday dessert tray, they pair warmly with biscotti, chocolate-dipped fruit, or buttery shortbread for a true celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable gift, stack a few Italian Christmas Cookies in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or arrange them in a decorative tin. At home, pile them high on a cake stand or scatter them down the center of your holiday table for an edible display that’s as cheerful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer parchment between the cookies to keep the glaze from sticking, and they’ll stay soft and lovely all week long.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once the glaze has set, pop the cookies into a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Italian Christmas Cookies, but if you love a slightly warm cookie, just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds. The glaze will soften slightly, and the almond aroma will fill the air all over again!

FAQs

Can I substitute the almond extract?

Absolutely! If almond’s not your thing, try using vanilla or lemon extract instead. Both work wonderfully, giving the cookies a different but equally delicious character.

How do I keep the glaze from running?

If your glaze seems a bit thin, add a touch more powdered sugar until it’s thick and coats the cookies nicely. Dipping only the tops and letting the excess drip off also helps achieve that perfect finish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be mixed and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to soften before scooping and baking.

Is it necessary to use nonpareils, or can I use other sprinkles?

Nonpareils are traditional for Italian Christmas Cookies, but feel free to use your favorite festive sprinkles, jimmies, or even colored sanding sugar for a different look and fun texture.

Why do my cookies look dry or cracked?

This usually means they’ve baked a bit too long. For best results, take them out just as the bottoms turn golden, and let them finish setting up as they cool on the rack.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Italian Christmas Cookies is like sharing a piece of the holidays with everyone you love. Their gentle almond flavor, tender bite, and festive finish make them pure joy in every bite. Don’t wait for December—give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!