Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies: A Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing

Italian Christmas Cookies are a beloved holiday treat that brings festive cheer to every gathering. With their soft texture, sweet powdered sugar icing, and a touch of warmth from a blend of brown and white sugar with a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging with your family, these cookies are the perfect choice.

What makes Italian Christmas Cookies truly special is their simplicity. Not only do they use familiar ingredients, but they also don’t require fancy techniques. This means anyone can enjoy baking them. Furthermore, their elegant flavor—highlighted by hints of vanilla and almond—makes them feel like a luxurious treat.

In addition to their simplicity, these cookies are incredibly versatile. For instance, you can easily customize the icing or sprinkle on your favorite toppings to match your holiday theme. While the traditional recipe calls for a light dusting of powdered sugar, we’ve introduced a smooth white glaze topped with a blend of brown and white sugar and a hint of cinnamon, offering a modern twist that enhances both flavor and presentation.

For those who cherish holiday traditions, baking Italian Christmas Cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. As an added bonus, shaping the dough and icing the cookies are fun activities to enjoy with loved ones. Moreover, the delightful aroma of these cookies baking in the oven fills your home with holiday magic.

Above all, these cookies are ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Because the straightforward steps are easy to follow, you’ll achieve great results every time. Meanwhile, the timeless flavors ensure they’ll be a hit with any crowd.

This year, why not add Italian Christmas Cookies to your holiday baking list? After all, their charm, flavor, and festive appeal make them a must-have for the season. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS
Cookies:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract

Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:
1 tbsp brown sugar, finely crushed
1 tbsp white sugar, finely crushed
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 min.
4. Add eggs and extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for flavor depth.
5. Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape the cookies: Scoop 1-tbsp portions of dough, roll into smooth balls, and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 min or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 min before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the water slightly to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
9. Decorate: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the icing. Before the icing sets, lightly sprinkle the finely crushed sugar blend (1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp white sugar, and optional 1/4 tsp cinnamon) chaotically over the tops for a rustic and festive appearance.
10. Set and enjoy: Allow the icing to set completely at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Toast the brown sugar-cinnamon topping for richer flavor: To elevate the sweetness and aroma, lightly toast the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture in a dry pan for 1-2 min. This step caramelizes the sugar slightly, intensifying its flavor while adding a warm, festive note to your Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Keep the dough chilled for easy handling: If your dough becomes too sticky while shaping, refrigerate it for 15-20 min. Chilled dough is easier to roll into smooth balls and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, ensuring a uniform and professional appearance.
• Adjust icing consistency for effortless decorating: If your powdered sugar icing feels too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. For an eye-catching finish, let the icing set partially before sprinkling with the brown sugar-cinnamon topping to ensure it adheres evenly.