Easy Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe: Festive, Soft & Delicious! 🎄🍪

Table of Contents: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Italian Christmas cookies wafting through the house during the holidays. These buttery, almond-scented delights are a cherished tradition, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting on festive cookie platters. If you’ve been searching for an authentic Traditional Italian Cookies recipe that’s both simple and unforgettable, you’ve found it!

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Introduction: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a batch of classic Italian desserts gracing the table. These Italian Christmas cookies, often called Anginetti or Italian Wedding Cookies, are soft, slightly sweet, and coated in a delicate almond glaze with colorful nonpareils. They’re a staple in Italian-American households, especially during festive gatherings.

What makes these cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of buttery dough infused with almond extract, giving them a nostalgic flavor that transports you straight to Nonna’s kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, assembling a holiday cookie platter, or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe delivers every time.

These cookies are also wonderfully versatile—great for Christmas, Easter, or any celebration where a touch of sweetness is needed. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy bakers.

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Alternate Names & Variations

These Traditional Italian cookies go by many names, depending on the region:

– Anginetti (most common name)
– Italian Wedding Cookies (often confused with powdered sugar-dusted varieties)
– Italian Knot Cookies (if shaped into twists)
– Snowball Cookies (when rolled in powdered sugar)

For a fun twist, try adding lemon zest to the dough or swapping the almond glaze for a vanilla or citrus icing. Some bakers even dip them in chocolate for a richer flavor!

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Ingredients: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

For the Cookies:

• – 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• – 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• – 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• – 2 teaspoons baking powder
• – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• – 2 teaspoons almond extract

For the Glaze & Topping:

• – 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
• – 3 tablespoons milk, any fat percentage
• – 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• – 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• – 2 tablespoons nonpareils (or sprinkles)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by almond extract.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

5. Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls (or shape into small knots or logs). Place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

6. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom. Let cool completely.

7. Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and salt until smooth. Dip each cookie into the glaze, then sprinkle with nonpareils.

Chef’s Tip: For extra shine, double-dip the cookies in glaze after the first layer dries slightly.

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Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 32 mins | Servings: 36 cookies | Calories: ~80 per cookie

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Perfect Texture: The combination of butter and almond extract creates a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
– Easy to Customize: Swap nonpareils for crushed nuts or edible glitter for a festive touch.
– Make-Ahead Friendly: These freeze well, making them ideal for holiday cookie platters.

Pro Tip: For best results, use room-temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Room Temperature: Store glazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
– Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw, then glaze before serving.
– Reheating: Not necessary, but a quick warm-up in the microwave (5 seconds) revives freshness.

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People Also Ask: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

What are traditional Italian Christmas cookies called?

Traditional Italian Christmas cookies are often called Anginetti or Italian Wedding Cookies. These buttery, almond-flavored treats are a holiday staple, typically glazed and decorated with colorful sprinkles.

What are the most popular Italian cookies?

Besides Anginetti, popular classic Italian desserts include Biscotti, Pizzelle, Ricotta Cookies, and Amaretti. Each has a unique texture and flavor, making them perfect for holiday cookie platters.

How do you make classic Italian Christmas cookies?

To make these cookies, cream butter and sugar, mix in eggs and almond extract, then combine with flour, baking powder, and salt. Shape, bake, and glaze with an almond-infused icing before adding nonpareils.

Can you freeze Italian cookies?

Yes! Unglazed cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving. This makes them a great make-ahead option for holiday baking.

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Conclusion: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing Traditional Italian cookies during the holidays. This recipe is simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them with coffee, these cookies bring warmth to every bite.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your creations with us in the comments or tag us on social media!

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