Italian Christmas Cookies

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Introduction

Italian Christmas Cookies are a traditional holiday treat enjoyed across Italian households, especially during Christmas and Easter. These cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, topped with a sugary glaze and colorful sprinkles that make them festive and fun. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a favorite for all ages.

History

These cookies trace back to Italian-American kitchens, inspired by southern Italian pastries often made for special occasions. Known as Anginetti or Anisette Cookies, they are often flavored with anise extract (giving a licorice-like taste) or vanilla. Over time, families adapted the recipe by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even orange glaze. Today, they’re a must-have on Christmas cookie trays in many households.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (or anise extract for traditional flavor)
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust dough consistency, if needed)

For the Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tbsp milk (or lemon juice for citrus glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond/anise extract, optional)
  • Festive sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla (or anise).
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until dough comes together (soft but not sticky). If too dry, add a spoon of milk.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

  1. Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch).
  2. Place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden (tops should remain pale).
  4. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 3: Glaze and Decorate

  1. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth (thick but pourable).
  2. Dip cooled cookies top-first into the glaze.
  3. Place back on rack and quickly add sprinkles before glaze hardens.

Variations

  • Lemon Cookies: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the dough and use lemon juice in the glaze.
  • Almond Cookies: Replace vanilla with almond extract.
  • Anisette Cookies (traditional): Use anise extract for authentic Italian flavor.
  • Chocolate Version: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough.

Benefits

  • Simple ingredients, pantry-friendly.
  • Customizable flavors (vanilla, lemon, almond, anise).
  • Great for family baking traditions.
  • Soft, cake-like texture loved by both kids and adults.

Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

  • Calories: 110
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Sugar: 10 g

Lovers of This Recipe

  • Families who cherish holiday traditions.
  • Kids who love sprinkles and sweet glaze.
  • Cookie platter lovers (pairs beautifully with biscotti, pizzelle, and amaretti).

Conclusion

Italian Christmas Cookies are a true holiday gem—soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated. Whether you flavor them with vanilla, lemon, or anise, they’ll bring nostalgia, joy, and festivity to your holiday table.

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