Best Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft holiday cookies made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and almond extract. They are shaped into small round cookies and topped with a simple sweet icing.

Many families make them during the holidays because they fit well on any cookie tray. The sprinkles bring color and a classic festive look. Italian Christmas Cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.

These cookies bring a soft bite, a light almond aroma, and a simple icing that sets just right.  If you want a holiday cookie that feels warm, inviting, and easy to prepare, this one is perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe?

1. This Italian Christmas Cookies recipe gives you a soft, cake-like cookie with a light almond flavor that fits any holiday gathering.

2. The dough is easy to handle, so you can shape the cookies without stress.

3. The icing adds sweetness while keeping the classic Italian Christmas Cookies feel.

4. The sprinkles add color, making them great for gifting.

5. You can make a big batch without needing special tools.

How To Prepare Italian Christmas Cookies?

Recipe Overview

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft almond-flavored cookies with a simple icing and festive sprinkles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Cool Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Dessert / Cookies
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: About 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Approx. 120
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

For the Icing

• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• Nonpareil sprinkles

Ingredient Notes

1. Butter: Melted and cooled butter keeps the cookies soft and easy to roll.

2. Flour: King Arthur all-purpose flour gives a consistent texture.

3. Almond Extract: A small amount adds classic Italian cookie aroma.

4. Eggs: Room-temperature eggs help the dough mix evenly.

5. Powdered Sugar: Sifting keeps the icing smooth.

6. Milk: Add a little at a time to reach the right icing thickness.

How To Make Italian Christmas Cookies

1. Mix Butter and Sugar:

In a bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth.

2. Add Eggs and Almond Extract:

Stir in the eggs and almond extract until the mixture looks creamy.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder.

4. Form the Dough:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour.

5. Shape the Cookies:

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake:

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.

7. Prepare the Icing:

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.

8. Dip or Drizzle:

Dip the warm cookies into the icing or drizzle on top.

9. Decorate:

Add nonpareil sprinkles before the icing sets.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

(Values are approximate.)

Tips and Variations

☑️ Use vanilla extract instead of almond extract if you want a softer flavor.

☑️ Add a tiny pinch of anise extract for traditional Italian Christmas Cookies flavor.

☑️ Add chopped nuts to the dough for a bit of crunch.

☑️ To make ahead, chill the dough overnight before rolling.

☑️ For a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

✔️ Serve these cookies with warm tea, hot cocoa, or coffee.

✔️ Stack them in a holiday tin for gifting.

✔️Add them to a cookie tray with chocolate cookies or shortbread.

Storing Tips

💠 Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

💠 Keep a sheet of parchment between layers to protect the icing.

💠 Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Recipe Notes

✅ Make sure the butter has cooled before mixing.

✅ The dough should feel soft, not sticky.

✅ Let cookies cool slightly before icing to help the icing set.

✅ Sift powdered sugar for a smooth finish.

✅ Add sprinkles right after icing.

Other Cookies Recipe You May Like

▶Best Coffee Butter Cookies Recipe

▶Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

▶3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

▶3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Recipe

▶Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

What Can You Use Instead Of Almond Extract In Italian Christmas Cookies?

You can replace almond extract with vanilla extract when making Italian Christmas Cookies. Vanilla adds a gentle flavor that blends well with the dough.

A tiny amount of anise extract works too if you want a traditional Italian touch. Some bakers mix vanilla and anise for balance. The cookies stay soft no matter which option you choose.

Can You Use Cookie Cutters For Italian Christmas Cookies?

You can use cookie cutters for Italian Christmas Cookies if you flatten the dough before cutting. The dough stays soft, so simple shapes hold up the best during baking.

Shapes like stars, circles, or trees work nicely. Lightly dust the cutters with flour for clean edges. The cookies still bake soft and keep their classic flavor.

FAQs For Italian Christmas Cookies

Conclusion

I love making these Italian Christmas Cookies every year because they remind me how simple holiday baking can be. The dough comes together fast, the icing adds sweetness, and

the sprinkles make them feel festive. If you try this recipe, tell me how your batch turned out — I’d love to hear what you think or answer any questions.