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Italian Christmas cookies recipe stacked on white plate with Christmas sprinkles on top.
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4.97 from 186 votes

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, tender holiday cookies with almond, vanilla, or anise flavor, sweet glaze, and Christmas sprinkles.
Prep Time1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 30 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla extract, or ½ 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. Place cold dough balls on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake at 350°F for about 9 minutes, or till the tops are set. Bottoms will be lightly browned, but tops should still be white. 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