The Heartwarming Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

The aroma of nostalgia and tradition wafts through kitchens during holiday seasons with these delightful Italian Christmas cookies that connect generations.

Sweet memories bloom with every carefully crafted bite of these classic treats.

Generations of Italian families have passed down this cherished recipe, preserving cultural heritage in each delicate morsel.

Soft, powdery, and subtly sweet, these cookies embody the warmth of festive gatherings.

Baking these cookies becomes a heartfelt ritual that transforms simple ingredients into magical moments.

Rich with butter and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, they promise a taste of pure holiday joy.

You’ll want to share these little pieces of culinary love with everyone around your festive table.

Why Italian Christmas Cookies Feel Festive

• Craft Gourmet Appetizers: Elevate your snack game with these sophisticated cheese twists that look like they're straight from a fancy bakery.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Turn basic puff pastry and a few pantry staples into a stunning crowd-pleasing treat that looks far more complex than it really is.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Serve these golden, cheesy spirals at gatherings where guests will be impressed by their beautiful twisted shape and rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the twists in advance and freeze them, giving you a stress-free option for unexpected guests or last-minute entertaining that requires minimal effort.

What You Need for Italian Christmas Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, crisp cookie structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's rich, smooth consistency.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provide a warm, aromatic depth of flavor to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for coating the cookies.
• Milk: Helps thin and smooth the glaze for easy dipping.
• Sprinkles: Adds a festive, colorful touch to the finished cookies.

How to Bake Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, creating a cozy surface for your cookies.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, creamy mixture. Crack in the eggs one by one, giving each a thorough beating to create a smooth, happy batter.

Splash in the vanilla and almond extracts for a burst of flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently combine these dry ingredients, creating a light and airy mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture. Stir until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room.

Use the bottom of a glass to give each ball a gentle press.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for edges that turn a delicate golden color – that’s your cue they’re ready!

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Let the cookies hang out on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Create a Dreamy Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and milk together until you’ve got a silky-smooth glaze.

Step 9: Decorate with Flair

Dunk the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting excess drip off.

Sprinkle with colorful decorations while the glaze is still wet. Wait for the glaze to set, then dig in and enjoy your festive treats!

Notes for Baking Italian Cookies Like Nonna

• Use fresh, high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and delicious Italian Christmas cookies.
• Gently combine dry and wet ingredients just until mixed to keep cookies tender and light, avoiding a tough texture.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform 1-inch balls for consistent baking and attractive presentation.
• Dip cookies quickly and let excess glaze drip off for a smooth, even coating that sets beautifully with festive sprinkles.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Tasty Styles for Italian Christmas Cookie Fans

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk for glaze to create dairy-free, egg-free cookies.
• Citrus-Infused Cookies: Add lemon or orange zest to dough for bright, refreshing flavor profile, replacing almond extract with citrus extracts.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content for health-conscious individuals.

Sips and Treats With Italian Christmas Cookies

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Pair these delightful Italian Christmas cookies with rich, creamy cappuccino to complement their sweet vanilla and almond notes.
• Festive Beverage Harmony: Enjoy a glass of chilled Moscato d'Asti wine, which offers light sweetness that perfectly matches the cookie's delicate glaze and sprinkled texture.
• Cozy Winter Companion: Serve alongside warm spiced chai tea, creating a delicious contrast between the cookie's crisp exterior and the tea's aromatic, comforting warmth.
• Mediterranean Dessert Experience: Complete the tasting with a small glass of amaretto liqueur, echoing the almond extract's subtle flavor and enhancing the cookie's festive character.

Best Way to Store Italian Christmas Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Pack completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for 2-3 months without glaze.
• Keep unglazed cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Warm cookies gently in microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and bring back original texture.

FAQs

• What is the origin of these cookies?

These Italian Christmas cookies are a traditional holiday treat passed down through generations in Italian families, often made during festive seasons.

• Are these cookies difficult to make?

No, these cookies are quite simple and beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic baking skills and common ingredients found in most kitchens.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before baking. This makes holiday baking more convenient.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll only need basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, wire rack, and a glass for flattening the cookie balls.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of childhood come alive with Nonna’s Italian Christmas Cookies, a delightful treat that whispers stories of family gatherings. Delicate almond-kissed morsels dusted with powdered sugar will transport you to warm Italian kitchens filled with love and tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until achieving a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
4. Infuse the mixture with vanilla and almond extracts, creating a rich aromatic base.
5. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing minimally to prevent tough cookie texture.
7. Form uniform one-inch spherical dough balls, positioning them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Delicately flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass, creating uniform circular shapes.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and edges appear crisp.
10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, facilitating initial cooling and structural stability.
11. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling and maintaining crisp texture.
12. Prepare a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk until achieving a smooth, consistent liquid.
13. Immerse cooled cookie tops into the glaze, instantly decorating with festive sprinkles.
14. Let glazed cookies sit until the coating solidifies, creating a delicate, shimmering finish.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough, dense cookies; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined.
• Try alternative extracts like lemon or orange to create unique flavor variations that suit different taste preferences.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurement proportions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 108
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 68 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg