Dessert

Best Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Name: Best Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter (melted and cooled); 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended); 1 1/2 tsp almond extract; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp almond extract; 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 2 to 3 tbsp milk; Nonpareil sprinkles

Bylina Carter December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

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Introduction

These Best Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive favorite, with a tender almond-flavored dough and a sweet, glossy glaze topped with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they bring a delightful balance of buttery richness and delicate sweetness to your cookie platter.

The image shows several soft, round cookies arranged in two rows on a baking tray lined with white paper. Each cookie has one thick layer of smooth white icing evenly covering the top, dripping slightly over the edges. On top of the icing, there are small round sprinkles in red, green, and white colors scattered densely and some sprinkles spilled around the cookies on the paper. The tray is set on a white marbled surface with a green cloth partially visible under it. In the blurred background, there is a white plate holding more cookies and red Christmas ornaments, giving a festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter (melted and cooled)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp almond extract
2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs (room temperature)

1 tsp almond extract (for icing)
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
2 to 3 tbsp milk

Nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder and flour. Set aside.
Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the melted butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract. Mix until well combined, noting the mixture may look slightly chunky.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a small scoop or tablespoon to roll the chilled dough into balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set but not browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: To make the icing, combine the sifted powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk. Stir until a thick glaze forms, adding more milk as needed. Mix in 1 teaspoon almond extract.

Step 6: Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet. Dip each cooled cookie upside down into the glaze, then turn right side up on the rack to let excess drip off. Sprinkle with nonpareils while the glaze is still wet. Allow icing to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a hint of citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
If almond extract is unavailable, vanilla extract makes a good substitute though flavor will differ.

Use different colored sprinkles or finely chopped nuts for festive decoration.
Chilling the dough longer helps reduce stickiness and improves shaping.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep the icing from sticking, place wax paper between layers. They can also be frozen for up to two months; thaw completely before decorating. Reheat gently if desired, but the cookies are best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

The image shows soft, round cookies on a white baking tray lined with parchment paper, each cookie topped with a thick layer of white icing that drips slightly down the sides. On top of the icing, there are small round sprinkles in red, green, and white colors scattered generously, with some sprinkles spilled onto the parchment paper. The cookies have a light golden color and a slightly cracked surface beneath the icing. In the background, there are blurred white cookies on a white plate and red Christmas ornaments resting on a white marbled surface, adding a festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract, but the cookies will lose their characteristic almond flavor. Almond extract provides a distinctive aroma and taste that’s traditional for these cookies.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and shape into balls. It also helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfect cookie texture.