Hey y'all! If you're searching for something both delicious and wonderfully nostalgic, these Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies are just what you need. Full of classic flavors, nutty aromas, and delightful textures, these festive treats are a beloved staple at holiday celebrations but also perfect for cookie platters, gifting, or any sweet tooth moment. Ready to fill your kitchen with the heartwarming scents of Italy? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe
- The cookies offer authentic Italian holiday flavor and classic old-world charm in every bite.
- Simple pantry ingredients and easy steps mean they're approachable for all bakers.
- Perfect for gift giving, cookie swaps, or holiday dessert tables.
- Soft, chewy, and gently crisp textures create a festive medley in each batch.
- The recipe is easily customizable with your favorite add-ins and flavors.
Ingredients for Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick, 115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon anise extract (or substitute with lemon or almond extract)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for decorating (optional)
Directions: How to Make the Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add milk, vanilla extract, and anise extract, mixing until incorporated.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until dough forms. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Shape and Decorate
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls or little logs. Place on the baking sheets, a few inches apart. If desired, top with colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for a festive flair.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden on the bottom and just set on top. Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes for Making Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
- Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help make shaping easier and improve cookie texture.
- If you love icing, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle over cooled cookies before adding sprinkles. Read more about icing techniques at King Arthur Baking.
- Try swapping anise for almond or lemon extract to match your favorite Italian cookie style.
Variations: Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted dark or white chocolate and let set on parchment.
- Citrus Twist: Add 2 teaspoons of grated orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough before baking.
Required Equipment for Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling racks
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week—separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Serving Recommendations: Enjoying Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
- Serve alongside espresso, cappuccino, or a glass of Vin Santo after dinner.
- Include them on your holiday cookie platter with biscotti and amaretti.
- Package prettily for holiday gifting or festive party favors.
Pro Tips for Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better dough consistency and even baking. Learn more about ingredient temperatures at Sally's Baking Addiction.
- Do not overmix the dough—mix just until the flour is incorporated for tender cookies.
- To keep cookies soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container, as the bread prevents staleness. More about cookie storage at Food Network.
FAQ: Best Italian Traditional Christmas Cookies
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance; just cover well and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- Absolutely. Freeze the baked, cooled cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Can I use different extracts?
- Definitely—anise is traditional but almond, lemon, or even orange extracts are all delicious twists.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 13 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Yield: About 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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3Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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5Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set but not browned. Let cool.
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6For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Dip cooled cookies into glaze and top with colored sprinkles. Let set before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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