Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, fluffy, and delicately sweet treats that bring festive cheer to any holiday table. These traditional cookies are often flavored with almond or vanilla and finished with a simple sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones, they add a touch of Italian tradition to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable flavors to suit your taste.
- Great for gifting or sharing during the holiday season.
- A nostalgic holiday treat with a rich cultural tradition.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
- Decorative sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla or almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze, then add sprinkles. Let them set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Twist: Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Glaze: Replace the sugar glaze with melted chocolate for a rich topping.
- Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep them longer, freeze the cookies (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- If needed, warm cookies slightly in a low oven to refresh their texture.
FAQs
What makes Italian Christmas Cookies different from other cookies?
Italian Christmas Cookies are known for their soft, cake-like texture and simple glaze topping, which sets them apart from crisp or chewy cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies and freeze them unglazed. Add the glaze and sprinkles after thawing for the freshest taste.
Are these cookies supposed to be soft?
Yes, these cookies have a light, fluffy, and soft texture, similar to a small cake.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.
Can I omit the sprinkles?
Of course! The sprinkles are decorative and optional, but they add a festive touch.
Can I use food coloring in the glaze?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze for a vibrant and festive appearance.
Do these cookies spread while baking?
Not much, but leaving enough space between them on the baking sheet is a good idea.
What’s the best way to form the cookie dough?
Rolling the dough into small balls by hand ensures uniform size and even baking.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Substituting almond flour will alter the texture. It’s better to use a gluten-free blend if you need a substitution.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The bottoms should be lightly golden, and the tops should remain pale but set.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday traditions. With their delicate sweetness, soft texture, and endless possibilities for customization, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Gather your family and friends, bake a batch, and enjoy the magic of the season with these delightful treats.
PrintItalian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas Cookies, known as Anginetti, are soft, lemon-flavored treats traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. Topped with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, they add a festive touch to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- Colorful sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla and lemon extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still pourable. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if necessary.
- Glaze and Decorate:
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed cookies back on the wire racks.
- Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Set and Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a different flavor, anise extract can be used in place of lemon extract.