There is something truly magical about making these Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe during the holiday season. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and that luscious almond-flavored glaze adorned with vibrant rainbow nonpareil sprinkles, they bring a festive sparkle to any celebration. These cookies are a cherished tradition and an absolute joy to bake, combining simple ingredients into a treat that feels nostalgic, comforting, and delightfully fun all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich almond extract adding a signature flavor, to the powdered sugar glaze that gives these cookies their glossy finish and just the right amount of sweetness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates the perfect crumb and structure for these soft cookies.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Moistens the dough and enriches the flavor.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Binds all the ingredients together and lends richness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the cookies their lightness and gentle rise.
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies tender and soft with a subtle flavor.
- 1 tablespoon almond extract: The star flavor that instantly transports you to an Italian holiday kitchen.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for the silky glaze that coats each cookie.
- 1 tablespoon almond extract (for glaze): Promotes a cohesive almond flavor throughout the cookie and glaze.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water (more as needed): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
- Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles: Adds a colorful, festive crunch that makes these cookies visually irresistible.
How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking. This small step is essential for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar until fully combined. This not only distributes the baking powder evenly but also prevents lumps. Make a well in the center to add your oil, milk, almond extract, and lightly beaten eggs. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, mix everything until you have a smooth, cohesive dough that’s ready for scooping.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop, portion out one-inch balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spaced about an inch apart. Gently flatten the tops so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the cookies don’t brown much, but that’s exactly how they should look — soft and just set.
Step 4: Make the Almond Glaze
While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, almond extract, and hot water together in a small bowl until thick and smooth, like molasses. This glaze is what transforms these cookies from simple to spectacular, coating them in a sweet, glossy layer.
Step 5: Dip Cookies and Add Sprinkles
Once the cookies are warm but not piping hot, dip each one into the glaze fully. Place the glazed cookies on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips. After the first dip sets a bit, dip again for that perfect glossy finish, and quickly sprinkle with the rainbow nonpareil sprinkles while the glaze is still sticky. Let them cool and set completely before serving.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic rainbow nonpareil sprinkles bring vibrant color and joyful crunch, you can customize with crushed pistachios, finely chopped almonds, or even a dusting of edible glitter for a sophisticated holiday touch.
Side Dishes
These Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe shine alongside a hot cup of espresso, cocoa, or a glass of milk. For a festive spread, serve them with other holiday treats like biscotti or spiced nuts to create a tempting dessert board that invites conversation and indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in decorative tins, display them on holiday platters with fresh evergreen sprigs, or tie bundles with festive ribbons. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane with a bow also makes for charming edible gifts your loved ones will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze them after glazing and fully setting. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags with parchment paper between layers. They freeze beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, then warm them gently in a 300ºF oven for 3-4 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness with glazed sparkle, making each bite feel newly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
While vanilla extract is a lovely flavor, the almond extract is signature to this Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe’s unique character. If you must, use half vanilla and half almond extract to keep some of that nutty essence.
Why don’t these cookies brown when baking?
The dough’s high moisture content and the oil used keep the cookies soft and pale. This gentle bake ensures a tender crumb rather than a crisp or browned exterior, which is traditional for this recipe.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Vegetable oil is neutral and helps keep cookies tender, but you can substitute canola oil or light olive oil if needed. Avoid strong-flavored oils that might overpower the almond flavor.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be thick like molasses so it coats the cookies without running off entirely. If too thin, add more powdered sugar; too thick, add small amounts of hot water until just right.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe relies on all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free as is, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to adapt it. Just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like biting into these soft, almond-glazed delights that embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season. This Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe is simple enough to whip up anytime you want festive cheer, yet special enough to become a treasured family tradition. Gather your ingredients, invite some helpers, and enjoy the process — these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories!
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 50 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, featuring a tender, moist base topped with a sweet almond glaze and festive rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly soft and subtly flavored with almond extract, these cookies bake quickly and are easy to prepare, making them a classic addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water, more as needed
- Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. Create a well in the center and add the vegetable oil, whole milk, almond extract, and lightly beaten eggs. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to mix until the dough is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, portion the dough into one-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about one inch apart. Slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are cooked but not browned.
- Make the Glaze: While the cookies bake, prepare the almond glaze by whisking powdered sugar, almond extract, and hot water together in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and thick, resembling molasses in consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: Once the cookies are warm, dip each into the glaze and place them on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Allow the glaze to slightly set, then dip the cookies a second time in the glaze. Immediately sprinkle rainbow nonpareil decorations over the wet glaze to add a festive touch. Let the cookies cool completely on the rack until the glaze hardens.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake the cookies as they should remain soft and not browned.
- The glaze consistency is key; it should be thick enough to coat the cookies but not runny.
- Use a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet to catch any glaze drips and make cleanup easier.
- For a stronger almond flavor, you can add a little more almond extract to the glaze or dough if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
