There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies during the holidays, especially when they come straight from an Italian kitchen. These Italian Christmas cookies are a delightful treat for your family and friends. They are soft, sweet, and often adorned with colorful icing or sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, this recipe brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your holiday table. Whether you’re new to Italian cookies or a seasoned baker, these will become a holiday tradition in no time!
Table of Contents
History or Background
Italian Christmas cookies have a rich history rooted in family traditions passed down through generations. These cookies, often baked during the holiday season, are a staple in many Italian households. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, often decorated with icing or sprinkles to add a festive touch. The tradition of baking cookies for Christmas dates back to the Middle Ages in Italy, where sweets were used to celebrate religious holidays. In regions such as Sicily, Tuscany, and Naples, each family adds their own twist to the classic recipes, making Italian Christmas cookies a diverse and cherished treat.
Why You’ll Love Italian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking list for several reasons:
- Festive and Flavorful: These cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully decorated, adding a pop of color and festive cheer to your holiday spread.
- Versatile: Whether you prefer almond, vanilla, or anise flavors, there’s a variation for everyone. You can also customize the icing or sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
- Perfect for Gifting: Italian Christmas cookies make fantastic homemade gifts for friends and family, adding a personal touch to your holiday presents.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients like flour, eggs, butter, and almond extract, these cookies are easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
- Tradition: By baking these cookies, you’re carrying on a cherished Italian holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to your celebrations.
Ingredients for Italian Christmas Cookies
To make these delicious Italian Christmas cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons almond extract (or vanilla or anise extract)
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- Nonpareil sprinkles (for decoration)
These simple ingredients come together to create the soft, sweet cookies and the perfectly smooth icing that makes Italian Christmas cookies a holiday favorite!
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Italian Christmas cookies:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the sugar, eggs, and almond extract (or your chosen flavor extract) and mix until combined. The mixture may look slightly chunky, which is perfectly fine.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour-baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. The dough will be slightly sticky, so keep your hands dusted with a bit of flour.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Icing: While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and almond or vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until you have a thick, smooth glaze.
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool, dip them upside down into the icing, ensuring an even coating. Place the iced cookies on a cooling rack, and while the glaze is still wet, sprinkle nonpareils on top.
Your Italian Christmas cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: To ensure the dough is easy to handle and the cookies hold their shape, always chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling into balls. This step helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Be cautious not to overbake the cookies. They should remain soft, so only bake them until they’re set but not golden brown. Overbaking can result in dry cookies.
- Customize the Icing: Feel free to experiment with different flavors for the icing. For a more unique twist, try adding a few drops of lemon or orange extract to the glaze for a citrusy touch.
Serving Ideas or Usage Tips
Italian Christmas cookies are perfect for various occasions:
- Holiday Parties: These cookies make a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table, with their vibrant icing and festive sprinkles.
- Gift Giving: Package them in cute boxes or tins with a festive ribbon. They make an excellent homemade gift for family, friends, or colleagues during the holiday season.
- Tea Time or Coffee Break: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet and comforting treat during the colder months.
- Baking Traditions: Consider making these cookies as part of a holiday baking tradition with family. Kids especially love helping with the decorating!
These cookies are also versatile enough to enjoy beyond Christmas—perfect for any special occasion or gathering.
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Storage Advice or Shelf Life Information
To keep your Italian Christmas cookies fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.
- In the Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2-3 weeks. Just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent the icing from drying out.
- Freezing: These cookies can also be frozen. To freeze, layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs Section
Q: How long do Italian cookies last in the fridge?
Italian cookies can last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. For the best taste, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Q: What is a fun fact about Christmas cookies?
A fun fact about Christmas cookies is that in some European countries, it’s believed that baking cookies during the holiday season brings good luck and happiness for the coming year. In Germany, the tradition of decorating gingerbread cookies (known as Lebkuchen) is said to bring prosperity!
Q: Do Christmas cookies have to be refrigerated?
Christmas cookies don’t always have to be refrigerated, especially if they’re stored at room temperature in an airtight container. However, if the cookies have perishable ingredients like cream cheese or fresh fruit toppings, refrigeration is recommended.
Fantastic Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, sweet Italian Christmas cookies are topped with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them the perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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3 large eggs
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup salted butter (room temperature)
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1½ tsp almond extract (or vanilla/anise extract)
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2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
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2–3 tbsp milk (for icing)
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1 tsp almond or vanilla extract (for icing)
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Nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
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Mix the flour and baking powder in a bowl and set aside.
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Beat the butter until light and fluffy, then add eggs, sugar, and extract, mixing until well combined.
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Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
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Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
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Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
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Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned. Cool completely.
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For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth.
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Dip cooled cookies into the icing and sprinkle with nonpareils while wet.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container. They last up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature or 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: italian
Conclusion
These Italian Christmas cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions. With their sweet, almond-infused flavor and festive icing, they’re the perfect treat for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or giving them as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy. Get baking and enjoy the delicious results this holiday season!