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Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Marigold Voss

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

Soft and buttery traditional Italian Christmas cookies flavored with vanilla and almond, topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ cups All-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 tsp Baking powder fresh
  • ½ cup Sugar granulated
  • ½ cup Butter softened
  • 3 large Eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract pure
  • ½ tsp Almond extract optional
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar for glaze
  • 2 tbsp Milk for glaze
  • 2 tbsp Sprinkles for decoration

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix into a soft dough.
  7. Shape small portions of dough into balls or twists.
  8. Place cookies on the baking tray with spacing between them.
  9. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
  10. Remove and cool completely on a rack.
  11. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
  12. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and add sprinkles.

Video

Notes

  • Do not overbake to keep cookies soft.
  • Add lemon zest for extra flavor variation.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Perfect for holiday gifting and festive occasions.