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Traditional Italian Christmas cookies are a festive version of a classic – flavored with almond extract and covered in a simple glaze with sprinkles.

A plate filled with Italian Christmas cookies.
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Italian traditions

Italian Christmas cookies are a family favorite during the Christmas season. These cookies are a holiday twist on our classic Italian Cookies – soft and tasty and filled with almond flavor!

Topped with festive sprinkles, this easy cookie recipe is a cute addition to a Christmas cookie plate. They are similar to our Snowball Cookies and Mexican Wedding Cookies, and are sure to be a hit!

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Pantry staple ingredients. This simple batter uses pantry staples and requires just a few easy steps!
  • Bite-sized. They’re so cute and bite-sized – great for parties and cookie plates.
  • Festive. Use all kinds of decorative sprinkles to make them festive for Christmas, or any holiday for that matter!
A glass jar of flour on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs incorporate best.
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil – or avocado or olive oil
  • ยฝ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract – Traditional Italian Christmas cookies use anise extract, which tastes a bit like black licorice. I opted to use almond extract, but lemon extract, vanilla extract, or orange extract can also be used.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flourHow to Measure Flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • optional mix-ins – Mix in up to 1 cup of chopped nuts (almond, pistachios, or walnuts), mini chocolate chips, or a dash of cinnamon.

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar – sifted to remove clumps
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract – or vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk – warmed
  • Christmas sprinkles – I love the classic Christmas nonpareils sprinkles or other holiday sprinkles. Red or green sugar crystal sprinkles would also work.

How to make Italian Christmas Cookies

  1. COOKIE DOUGH. Whisk 2 eggs, 6 tablespoons oil, ยฝ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon almond extract in a mixing bowl. Stir in 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  2. CHILL. Roll dough by tablespoonfuls into balls. Chill balls of dough for at least an hour, or freeze for 15-20 minutes. 
  3. BAKE. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out dough, roll into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Bake at 350ยฐF for about 8-10 minutes, or till the tops are set. Bottoms will be lightly browned, but tops should still be white. Remove cookies to wire rack and cool completely.
  4. GLAZE. Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon almond extract, a pinch of salt, and 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream in a small bowl and whisk till smooth, adding enough warm cream to get a thin but creamy consistency.
    • Dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze, then top them with Christmas sprinkles.
Italian Christmas cookies topped with glaze and festive sprinkles.

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4.98 from 182 votes

Italian Christmas Cookies

By: Lil’ Luna
Traditional Italian Christmas cookies are a festive version of a classic – flavored with almond extract and covered in a simple almond glaze.
Servings: 30 cookies
Prep: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ยฝ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla extract, or ยฝ teaspoon anise extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract, or vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons cream or milk, warmed
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions 

  • Whisk eggs, oil, sugar, and extract in a mixing bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Roll dough by tablespoonfuls into balls. Chill dough balls for at least an hour, or freeze for 15-20 minutes.ย Place cold dough balls on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake at 350ยฐF for about 9 minutes, or till the tops are set. Bottoms will be lightly browned, but tops should still be white.ย Remove cookies to cooling racks and cool completely.
  • For the glaze, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk till smooth, adding enough warm cream to get a thin but creamy consistency.
  • Dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze, then top them with Christmas sprinkles.

Video

Notes

High elevation. If at higher elevations you may need to add a few extra minutes. Bake 2 test cookies and adjust the time accordingly before baking a larger batch.
Store cookies (with or without the glaze) in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for 3-4 weeks.
Store cookie dough rolled in a ball and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the fridge. To freeze, see How to Freeze Cookie Dough.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 48mg, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 20IU, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

Make ahead of time?

Store cookies (with or without the glaze) in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for 3-4 weeks.

How to store?

Store cookie doughย rolled in a ball and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the fridge. To freeze, seeย How to Freeze Cookie Dough.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.98 from 182 votes (160 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




42 Comments

  1. Danielle says:

    Can I use canned evaporated milk for the glaze?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You could try it! I haven’t used evaporated milk for the glaze, but you could certainly give it a try!

  2. Michael Cupo says:

    Looking for all Cookie Recipes from Molfetta

  3. Kristina says:

    5 stars
    Delicious using the almond extract listed in the recipe. Has anyone tried it with the more traditional anise?

  4. Gwen Kleinwolterink says:

    5 stars
    Look delicious! Canโ€™t wait to make them!

  5. Sue says:

    5 stars
    I will be making these tomorrow.I gave them A 5 star rating because I know they’re going to be good!

    1. Reenee says:

      So is it a good recipe?

  6. Marty Taylor says:

    So good..so festiveโ€ฆsoft and chewy.

  7. Sharon Wellman says:

    5 stars
    These are one of seven Christmas cookies I make every year.

  8. Marlene says:

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to try it

  9. Jennifer C says:

    5 stars
    These are so cute for Christmas, but I love they could be modified for any occasion/holiday.

  10. Stephanie Blanton says:

    5 stars
    Yum