Name: Italian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 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

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, sweet, and lightly flavored with almond, making them an irresistible treat during the holiday season. Often passed down through generations, these cookies are a beloved part of Italian-American holiday traditions. They’re typically shaped into small rounds or twisted knots and topped with a simple almond glaze and festive sprinkles, making them just as eye-catching as they are delicious. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or serving alongside coffee, they bring warmth and tradition to every holiday celebration.

These cookies are as much about the joy of baking as they are about the final result. They come together quickly with pantry staples and are ideal for decorating with family or friends. The texture is soft and cakey—more like a tender shortbread than a crisp cookie—and the almond glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Whether it’s your first time making them or a cherished annual ritual, Italian Christmas Cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun to Decorate

The almond glaze and colorful nonpareils make these cookies bright and festive—perfect for holiday gatherings.

Soft and Tender Texture

These cookies are soft, slightly cakey, and melt in your mouth, making them stand out on any dessert tray.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

Made with basic baking staples, they don’t require any fancy ingredients or equipment.

Customizable Flavor

Almond extract gives them a classic touch, but you can easily switch to vanilla, lemon, or anise for a twist.

Perfect for Gifting

They store well and look beautiful in cookie boxes, making them an ideal edible gift during the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

Unsalted butter, at room temperature
Eggs, at room temperature

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar

Kosher salt
Almond extract

For the Glaze and Topping:

Powdered sugar

Milk (any fat percentage)
Almond extract
Kosher salt

Nonpareils (sprinkles)

Variations

Flavor Swap: Use vanilla, lemon, or anise extract in place of almond for different versions.
Shaping Options: Roll into balls, shape into knots, or pipe into rosettes for visual variety.

Holiday Colors: Use sprinkles in red, green, gold, or silver for a more festive appearance.
Citrus Glaze: Add lemon or orange zest to the glaze for a fresh, tangy twist.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and let it harden for a rich finish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the almond extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until they’re just set and lightly golden on the bottom. Do not overbake. Allow them to cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and salt until smooth.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze and place them back on the rack. Immediately sprinkle with nonpareils before the glaze sets. Let sit until the glaze hardens.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs should be at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies from the oven as soon as the bottoms begin to turn golden to keep them soft.

Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Sprinkle Immediately: Add sprinkles right after glazing each cookie so they stick well.
Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the frosting from melting off.

How to Serve

Serve Italian Christmas Cookies on a holiday cookie platter, alongside espresso or hot chocolate, or wrap them in festive tins for gifting. Their charming look and nostalgic flavor make them a favorite at cookie swaps and Christmas parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Unglazed cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary, but cookies can be brought to room temperature if frozen. Avoid microwaving glazed cookies, as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla, lemon, or even anise extract depending on your taste preference.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, but if the dough is too soft to handle, a short chill (15–20 minutes) helps with shaping.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well for larger batches, perfect for parties or gift giving.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Yes, you can tint the dough or the glaze with food coloring for added holiday flair.

Why did my glaze run off the cookies?

Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before glazing. Also, adjust the glaze thickness by adding more sugar if needed.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely. Kids will enjoy shaping the cookies and adding sprinkles.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Nonpareils are traditional, but colored sugar or jimmies also work well. Avoid large sprinkles that may fall off.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check for xanthan gum in the mix or add it separately.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

They are soft and slightly cakey, not crunchy like traditional sugar cookies.

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a joyful and delicious way to celebrate the season. With their soft texture, almond-scented glaze, and festive sprinkles, they bring holiday cheer to every bite. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or discovering a new favorite, these cookies are perfect for sharing the sweetness of the season with loved ones.