Italian Christmas Cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a centuries-old tradition that brings family and friends together during the most magical time of the year. These soft, tender cookies are lightly sweet, delicately flavored with vanilla or almond, and often topped with a colorful glaze and festive sprinkles.
Whether you grew up enjoying them every December or you’re making them for the first time, this recipe will help you create authentic Italian Christmas cookies that taste just like Nonna used to make.
Why You’ll Love Italian Christmas Cookies
- Soft and cake-like – A melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the butter and eggs.
- Festive and colorful – Topped with icing and holiday sprinkles for a cheerful look.
- Perfect for gifting – Easy to package for friends and neighbors.
- Customizable flavors – Add lemon, almond, or anise extract to suit your taste.
A Little History of Italian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas Cookies, also called Anginetti or Italian Wedding Cookies depending on the variation, have roots in southern Italy. Traditionally, they’re made for Christmas, Easter, weddings, and other celebrations. The soft dough is formed into balls or knots, baked until tender, then coated with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles — a symbol of joy and celebration.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies
1. Butter
- Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
2. Sugar
- Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies without overpowering them.
3. Eggs
- Provide structure and a soft, cake-like texture.
4. Flour
- All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.
5. Baking Powder
- Ensures the cookies rise and remain fluffy.
6. Flavoring Extracts
- Almond, vanilla, lemon, or anise extract are traditional.
7. Milk
- Keeps the dough moist and helps the glaze stick.
8. Glaze & Sprinkles
- A simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk, topped with nonpareils or jimmies.
Step-by-Step Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Ingredients (Makes about 3 dozen cookies)
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond/anise for variation)
- ¼ cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Step 3 – Add Eggs and Flavoring
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla or chosen extract.
Step 4 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5 – Combine and Add Milk
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
Step 6 – Shape Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls or small knots and place on baking sheets.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake — these cookies should remain soft.
Step 8 – Glaze and Decorate
While cookies are still slightly warm, dip tops into glaze and sprinkle with colorful decorations. Let glaze set before storing.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Italian Cookies – Add lemon zest and use lemon juice in the glaze.
- Almond Italian Cookies – Replace vanilla with almond extract.
- Anise Italian Cookies – For a traditional touch, add ½ tsp anise extract to the dough and glaze.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over glazed cookies for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies
- Don’t overmix – This keeps the cookies tender.
- Shape consistently – Even sizes bake more evenly.
- Glaze while warm – Helps the icing stick better.
- Store properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked, unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw, glaze, and decorate before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes — just use a wooden spoon or whisk, but expect a little more elbow grease.
2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
3. Do they taste better the next day?
Absolutely — the glaze sets and the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Final Thoughts
Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday tradition that’s easy to bring into your own kitchen. With their soft texture, subtle sweetness, and festive appearance, they’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and homemade gifts.
This year, skip the store-bought treats and make a batch of these classic cookies. Not only will your kitchen smell like the holidays, but you’ll also be sharing a little piece of Italian tradition with every bite.
Print
Italian Christmas Cookies: A Festive Tradition from Italy’s Holiday Table
Ingredients
• 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup powdered sugar • 2 eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp almond extract • 1 tsp lemon zest • 1 tsp orange zest • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • ½ cup sliced almonds • ½ cup candied fruit, chopped • Colored sprinkles for decoration • Royal icing for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract
- Mix in lemon and orange zest
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients
- Fold in sliced almonds and candied fruit
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls
- Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden
- Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes
- Transfer to wire racks to cool completely
- Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 12 mins, Total Time: 32 mins, Servings: 24, Calories: 140, Net Carbs: 18g, Fats: 8g, Protein: 2g