There is nothing quite as heartwarming during the holidays as biting into a batch of delicate, buttery, and sweet treats that bring family together. This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is a cherished classic that perfectly balances a tender crumb with joyful bursts of flavor from almond and lemon extracts. These cookies are not only delightful to eat but also fun to decorate, making them a festive activity everyone in the family can enjoy. Crisp on the edges and soft inside, this treat brings a slice of Italian tradition right to your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its pantry staples, which come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a key role: flour forms a sturdy base, sugar sweetens without overpowering, baking powder gives a light lift, and extracts bring that signature festive flavor. Here’s everything you need to bake this unforgettable batch.
- 6 large eggs: Provide structure and richness for the cookie dough.
- 6 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect sturdy yet tender texture.
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens and lightens the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- 2½ tablespoons baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough to be soft and airy.
- 1 cup butter-flavored shortening: Adds moisture and a subtle buttery flavor.
- 1 tablespoon almond extract: Imparts the iconic nutty aroma that sets these cookies apart.
- ½ tablespoon lemon extract: Adds a fresh, zesty note for a balanced flavor profile.
- 4½ cups confectioner’s sugar: For the glaze that tops the cookies with sweet smoothness.
- ½ cup warm light cream: Used to thin the glaze to just the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Extra almond flavor in the glaze to echo the dough’s scent.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a classic vanilla warmth.
- Colored sprinkles: Add festive flair and texture to the finished cookies.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The first step in this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is all about creating a smooth, pliable dough that will bake evenly. Start by beating the eggs and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, sift together the flour and baking powder; this not only ensures there are no lumps but also perfectly mixes these dry ingredients. Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, add the butter-flavored shortening, almond extract, and lemon extract, and knead lightly until everything forms a soft dough that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about a quarter-inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes with cookie cutters or keep them simple with circles or diamonds. Placing the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This step helps maintain their shapes during baking and results in a tender crumb that’s not too crumbly.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cut and chilled cookies in batches for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. The cookies should remain pale but firm to the touch. Removing them while slightly soft ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture once cooled.
Step 4: Make the Glaze and Decorate
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with warm light cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip or brush them generously with the glaze, then immediately sprinkle the colorful sprinkles on top. This colorful finish adds the perfect festive touch and a slight crunch to contrast the tender cookie.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While traditional colored sprinkles bring cheer and fun, you can elevate the presentation by adding crushed almonds around the edges or dusting a little extra confectioner’s sugar before serving. If you want to get super festive, edible gold flakes add a luxurious sparkle perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich espresso, hot chocolate, or a creamy Italian eggnog known as zabaione. The cookies bring just enough sweetness and texture to complement warm, comforting beverages that highlight the joy of the season.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or party platters, arrange your cookies on a beautiful holiday-themed platter layered with festive napkins or rosemary sprigs for a fragrant accent. Wrapping small batches in clear cellophane tied with ribbon can turn these cookies into lovely homemade gifts that everyone will treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure they are fully glazed and dry before storing to prevent sticking. Layer cookies with parchment paper to keep them from breaking or smudging the glaze.
Freezing
If you want to prepare well in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Frozen Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe treats will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, simply allow frozen or refrigerated cookies to reach room temp naturally. Avoid microwaving to prevent softening or melting the glaze. Reheating isn’t really necessary for these cookies since their texture shines when enjoyed fresh or gently thawed.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
While almond extract is key to the classic flavor in this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe, you can substitute it with vanilla extract if you prefer a milder taste. However, the cookie will lose some of its signature festive aroma.
Why is my dough too sticky to work with?
If the dough feels overly sticky, you might have added too much liquid or the shortening wasn’t fully incorporated. Dust your hands and work surface with a little flour as you shape the cookies, but don’t overdo it or the dough will become dry.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but it may change the texture slightly. For best results, choose a blend that contains xanthan gum and follow the package instructions for substitutions.
What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
No worries! You can simply roll out the dough and cut it into squares or rectangles using a knife, or even shape small balls and flatten them with a glass. The beauty of this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is its adaptability.
How long should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling for about 15 minutes is sufficient to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If chilled longer, the dough may become too firm and harder to work with but will still bake nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen with nostalgic holiday scents and create sweet memories around the table, this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is your perfect go-to. Its simplicity, delightful flavors, and festive look make it an absolute joy to bake and share. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a holiday tradition you look forward to year after year.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 56 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive, tender, and flavorful treat traditionally made during the holiday season. These cookies have a soft, buttery texture enriched with almond and lemon extracts. After baking, they are generously drizzled with a creamy glaze and adorned with colorful sprinkles for a festive finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 6 large eggs
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1 cup butter flavored shortening
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- ½ tablespoon lemon extract
Glaze and Decoration
- 4½ cups confectioner’s sugar
- ½ cup warm light cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, confectioner’s sugar, and butter flavored shortening. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the almond and lemon extracts and blend well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing steadily until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut the dough into your desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the confectioner’s sugar with warm light cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops. Immediately sprinkle the colored sprinkles on the wet glaze before it sets to add a festive touch. Allow the glaze to fully harden before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the dough does not overwork to keep cookies tender.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the cream slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies without glaze and add glaze after thawing.
