Easy Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe – A Joyful Treat!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite holiday tradition! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re your ticket to a stress-free, delicious Christmas season. Here’s why these Easy Italian Christmas Cookies will become an instant classic in your home:

• Effortlessly Simple: True to their name, these cookies are incredibly easy to make. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment – just straightforward baking that delivers amazing results. Perfect for busy holiday schedules!
• Irresistibly Delicious: With their delicate texture and a wonderful hint of almond, these cookies capture the authentic spirit of Italian Christmas baking. Each bite is soft, tender, and utterly delightful.
• Festively Customizable: The simple glaze provides the perfect canvas for your holiday creativity! Drench them in cheerful sprinkles, color the glaze, or even add a touch of citrus zest. They’re a joy to decorate.
• Perfect for Sharing: These charming little treats are ideal for holiday platters, cookie exchanges, or as heartfelt homemade gifts. They store beautifully and are always a welcome sight at any festive gathering.

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Bake Up Some Holiday Cheer with Easy Italian Christmas Cookies!

The holidays are here, and with them comes the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies! But who says festive baking has to be a marathon of complex recipes and endless cleanup? This year, ditch the stress and embrace the joy with our incredible recipe for Easy Italian Christmas Cookies. Imagine soft, tender, almond-kissed morsels, draped in a smooth, sweet glaze and adorned with cheerful sprinkles – all made with minimal fuss! These delightful bites are a beloved tradition, bringing a touch of Italian warmth and simple elegance to your holiday table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises delicious results and plenty of holiday cheer. Get ready to create some sweet memories (and even sweeter cookies!) that everyone will adore.

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Ingredients for Your Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

Gather your simple ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake some magic!

• 🧈 ½ cup Melted & Cooled Salted Butter
• 🍚 2¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 🍬 ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• 🥚 3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
• 🌰 1½ teaspoons Almond Extract (for the cookies)
• 🥄 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 🥣 2 cups Sifted Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)
• 🥛 2-3 tablespoons Milk (for the glaze)
• ✨ Nonpareil Sprinkles (optional, for festive decoration)
• Extra almond extract for the glaze (not listed in original glaze section, but mentioned in step 5) – let’s assume 1/2 tsp for glaze for clarity, though it’s usually “to taste”. The recipe says “Stir in the almond extract for that wonderful flavor boost.” I will add it to the glaze instruction.

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Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Your Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful Easy Italian Christmas Cookies in no time!

1. Get Ready (Flour & Baking Powder): In a medium-sized bowl, grab a whisk and thoroughly combine your all-purpose flour and baking powder. Give it a good whisk until everything is evenly distributed. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
2. Wet Mix Wonders (Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Almond): Pull out your electric mixer! Beat the melted and cooled butter until it’s light and fluffy – a few minutes should do the trick. Next, add in the room temperature eggs, granulated sugar, and the delightful almond extract. Continue mixing until all these wet ingredients are beautifully incorporated and look creamy. Don’t fret if it still appears a little chunky at this stage; it’s perfectly normal!
3. Combine & Chill (Dough Time!): Now, gradually add your prepared flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, just until everything comes together into a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies (and we want soft ones!). Once combined, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This crucial chilling time makes the dough much easier to handle and shape.
4. Shape & Bake (Golden Goodness): Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Retrieve your chilled dough (it might still be a little sticky, but much more manageable). Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to roll uniform balls of dough. Place them about one inch apart on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Remember, avoid overbaking to ensure your cookies remain wonderfully soft and tender! Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before even thinking about moving them.
5. Whip Up the Glaze (Sweet Perfection): While your cookies are cooling down, it’s glaze time! In a bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until you achieve a thick, smooth, and pourable glaze consistency. For that extra flavor boost, stir in a splash (about ½ teaspoon) of almond extract.
6. Glaze & Garnish (Festive Finish): Set a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet – this clever setup will catch any delicious excess glaze drips. Once your cookies are absolutely, completely cool, take each one, hold it upside down, and dip the top into your prepared glaze. Flip the cookie right-side up and place it on the cooling rack. Quickly, before the glaze starts to set, sprinkle with nonpareils or your favorite festive sprinkles. Let them sit until the glaze is firm, then get ready to enjoy your beautiful Easy Italian Christmas Cookies!

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Presentation and Serving Ideas for Your Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

These delightful Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are as fun to present as they are to eat! Here are some ideas to showcase your baking prowess:

• Classic Cookie Platter: Arrange your glazed and sprinkled cookies artfully on a festive platter. Mix them with other holiday favorites like biscotti or shortbread for a varied display. Their bright, cheerful colors make them a standout!
• Thoughtful Edible Gifts: These cookies make incredibly charming homemade gifts. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, or layer them gently in decorative tins or boxes. A handwritten tag adds a personal touch.
• Coffee Break Bliss: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, espresso, or a frothy latte. The almond flavor perfectly complements the rich coffee notes, making for an ideal afternoon treat or after-dinner delight.
• Hot Cocoa Companion: For a cozy winter pairing, offer these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa. Kids and adults alike will love dipping them into the warm chocolatey goodness.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: For an adult-friendly serving suggestion, pair these almond-infused cookies with a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a Moscato d’Asti. The sweetness of the wine will beautifully enhance the cookie’s flavor.
• Customizable Decorations: Get creative with your sprinkles! Use different colors for various holidays, or try edible glitter for extra sparkle. You could even drizzle melted chocolate over the set glaze for an extra layer of decadence.

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Storing Your Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

You’ve put love into making these delightful Easy Italian Christmas Cookies, so let’s make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible!

• At Room Temperature: Once the glaze has fully set (this usually takes a few hours), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate glaze. They will stay wonderfully fresh and tender for up to 5-7 days.
• In the Refrigerator: While not strictly necessary for freshness, if your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, refrigerating them can help extend their shelf life slightly. Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture of glazes.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and the glaze is fully set, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Freezing the Dough: You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Wrap the chilled dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 1 month. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.

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FAQs About Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

What makes these “Italian” Christmas cookies?

While there are many types of Italian Christmas cookies, this recipe embodies the spirit with its simple, tender texture and prominent almond flavor, which is a hallmark in many traditional Italian desserts, especially during the holidays.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, simply add a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of fine salt to your flour mixture to balance the flavors.

Do I really have to chill the cookie dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is a crucial step! It helps to firm up the butter, making the dough much easier to handle and roll. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring a perfectly rounded shape and a tender texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for Christmas?

Definitely! You can bake these cookies up to a week in advance and store them as directed. You can also freeze the baked and glazed cookies for up to 3 months, making them perfect for holiday meal prep.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

While almond extract gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a more classic sugar cookie taste, or use lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note. The “Italian” character will be less pronounced, but still delicious.

My dough is very sticky, even after chilling. What should I do?

Some stickiness is normal, especially with melted butter recipes. Try lightly flouring your hands when rolling the balls. If it’s excessively sticky, you can chill the dough for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and baking sheets to accommodate the increased quantities.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are designed to be wonderfully soft and tender, with a slightly chewy texture. Avoid overbaking to maintain their delightful softness!

Can kids help make these Easy Italian Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic recipe for getting kids involved. They can help whisk dry ingredients, roll the dough into balls, and, of course, the best part – dipping the cookies in glaze and adding sprinkles!

What other decorations can I use instead of nonpareil sprinkles?

Feel free to get creative! You can use colored sanding sugar, sparkling sugar, edible glitter, finely chopped pistachios (for a classic Italian look), or even a drizzle of melted chocolate over the set glaze for an extra touch of elegance.