Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are 3 best easy tasty.

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies have always been my holiday compass.
Even as a chef juggling back-to-back meals, I reach for these tender, vanilla-almond cookies.
Now I share a streamlined method for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies in under an hour.

Table of Contents

what make this Recipe special

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies have always been my holiday compass. As a busy home cook and chef, I reach for them to ground a hectic season. This recipe blends heritage with practical tweaks: quick dough, forgiving glaze, and a finish that looks bakery-worthy. They travel well for gifting and stash easily in a busy week. This batch preserves the essence of Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, with vanilla-almond aroma and a tender crumb.

Why this cookie stands out in the holiday lineup

What makes them special is how simple they are to make yet elegant. The dough comes together fast, shaping is forgiving, and the final glaze shines like new snow. Every bite stays tender thanks to careful handling and a light touch of flour.

The tender crumb that stays soft with a glossy glaze

Butter, sugar, and eggs create a crumb that stays soft. Bake until the bottoms are lightly golden to keep it tender. A glossy glaze finishes the look and seals in moisture.

Ingredients

Here’s the ingredient lineup for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, with exact measurements so you can print and go. We’ll keep the dough tender and the glaze glossy, without slowing you down.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — I rely on softened butter for easy creaming and a tender crumb.
• ½ cup granulated sugar — adds sweetness and helps lighten the crumb.
• 2 large eggs — provide structure and moisture for a soft bite.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — provides warm aroma that ties the flavors together.
• 1½ tsp baking powder — gives a gentle lift for a light, tender cookie.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour — forms the cookie body; if the dough is sticky, dust with a little flour as needed.
• Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar — base for a glossy finish.
  • 2–3 tbsp milk — adjust for drizzle or dip consistency.
  • ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract — enhances aroma (optional).
• Optional: festive sprinkles — for a cheerful holiday splash.

Note: Exact quantities are listed above, with a printable version available at the bottom of the article.

How to Make Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

I’ll walk you through quick, practical steps for these tender, vanilla–almond treats. I keep the process simple so you can bake with confidence after a busy day. This method delivers bakery-worthy results with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Prep and cream butter and sugar

Let’s start by softening butter to room temp. Cream it with granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and airy. I pause to scrape the bowl so every bit of sweetness gets whipped in.

Step 2: Beat in eggs and vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. The batter should look smooth and hold its shape briefly when you lift the mixer. If it looks a little glossy, that’s the moisture helping keep the crumb tender.

Step 3: Stir in dry ingredients to form a soft dough

Stir in the baking powder, then add flour gradually. Mix just until a soft dough forms; overmixing can make the cookies tougher. If the dough seems sticky, a light dusting of flour helps, not a full-on flour bath.

Step 4: Shape into knots, twists, or circles

Roll the dough into short ropes and shape into knots, twists, or circles. Space them about 1 inch apart on parchment-lined sheets. If the dough sticks, chill 10–15 minutes to firm up for cleaner shapes.

Step 5: Bake until lightly golden and let cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden and the tops set. Cool cookies completely before glazing to keep the shine crisp.

Step 6: Make and apply the glaze, finish with sprinkles if desired

Whisk powdered sugar with milk and your chosen extract until smooth. Drizzle or dip the cookies, then add festive sprinkles if you like. Let the glaze set at room temp for a glossy finish that mirrors bakery-caliber Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.

Tips for Success

• Soften butter to room temperature for easy creaming and a tender Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies crumb. This keeps the dough smooth.
• Don’t overwork the dough; mix just until cohesive, then rest if needed. This keeps cookies soft and tender.
• If dough is sticky, chill 15–20 minutes before shaping for clean, even forms. It helps even shaping.
• Glaze sets best at room temperature; store cookies in an airtight container to preserve shine. This keeps them crisp after stacking on a platter.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls or a stand mixer for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
• Electric mixer or whisk to blend batter
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate quantities
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking
• Baking sheets for shaped cookies
• Wire rack for cooling and glaze set
• Small whisk for glaze

Variations

• Citrus zest (orange or lemon) added to dough for a bright note in Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Almond extract in glaze for a nuttier finish in Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Half whole-wheat flour for a nuttier crumb in Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Gluten-free option: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend plus an extra 1–2 tablespoons milk in Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.
• Dairy-free version: use coconut oil instead of butter. Use plant-based milk in glaze for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies bring me straight back to grandma’s kitchen. I love how they smell like vanilla and almond warming the house. They come together quickly, so I can bake after a busy day and still have joy in the cookie jar.

They stay tender when I handle them with a light touch. A glossy glaze makes them look like store-bought treats without the stress. And they’re easy to customize with citrus zest or sprinkles for gifting or parties.

Serving Suggestions

These Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies shine with cozy charm. I love pairing them with warm drinks.

• Serve with coffee or festive hot chocolate.
• Present on a tiered platter with red and green sprinkles.
• Pair with biscotti-friendly drinks or light dessert wines.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

For Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, I start with a plan. Make-ahead tips keep the kitchen calm. Time saved means more moments for family joy.

Dough can be made a day ahead; wrap tightly and refrigerate. Shaped cookies freeze well, then bake from frozen when guests arrive. Glaze sets at room temperature, preserving that bakery shine.

If they soften, a quick 300°F warm-up revives their crunch. I love batches that gift-ready in minutes. These tips fit busy lives without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for gifting? Yes. For Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, I prepare dough ahead, refrigerate, bake later, then glaze.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies? Yes. I freeze Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies; wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before baking.

Can I substitute almond extract in the glaze if I don’t have it? I find vanilla or citrus zest works in the glaze for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies.

Do these cookies work with gluten-free flour? Yes. For gluten-free Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, I use a 1:1 flour blend with extra milk.

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies remind me warmth travels faster than traffic. I reach for them when I’m racing between client meals and school concerts. They slow time with a fragrant sigh. The tender crumb and glossy glaze feel like a small victory I can share. I love how simple dough becomes a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gifting or cocoa. Each bite carries vanilla and almond memories, plus a dash of holiday magic. These cookies anchor my kitchen rituals, turning busy days into gentle celebrations. Anyone can savor them, and they never disappoint, truly. A small batch celebrates life’s simple joys together.

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