Italian Christmas Cookies

The holidays in Italy are a sweet celebration, and nothing captures the festive spirit quite like a plate of freshly baked Italian Christmas cookies. These treats have been passed down through generations, each family adding its own twist to the classic recipes. From nutty biscotti to soft, almond-flavored delights, Italian Christmas desserts offer a comforting mix of textures and flavors that feel both indulgent and nostalgic.

Many of these cookies are simple enough for home bakers to make without stress, yet they carry the rich, traditional taste of Italian kitchens. Families gather around, rolling dough, shaping cookies, and sprinkling sugar, all while sharing stories and laughter. It’s this sense of togetherness that makes these easy holiday cookies more than just a sweet treat—they’re a part of cherished family traditions.

What’s remarkable is how versatile Italian Christmas desserts can be. Some cookies are crisp and perfect for dunking into coffee or hot cocoa, while others are soft and chewy, bursting with flavors like almond, anise, or citrus zest. No matter which variety you try, these traditional Italian Christmas cookies have a way of transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth, music, and the aroma of festive baking.

Over the years, many of these recipes have become favorite Christmas cookies not just in Italy but around the world. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these classic Christmas cookies are a wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations, offering both a taste of tradition and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Why You’ll Love It

• A Taste of Tradition: Each bite of these cookies carries the flavors of generations past, connecting you to the warmth and charm of Italian holiday kitchens. It’s like enjoying a little piece of Italian history right at your table.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether with family, friends, or neighbors, these cookies are made to be enjoyed together. Their festive shapes and delicious flavors make them an instant hit at any holiday gathering.
• Easy to Make at Home: Despite their elegant appearance, many of these traditional Italian Christmas cookies are surprisingly simple to bake. You don’t need to be a master baker to impress everyone with these easy holiday cookies.
• Versatile Flavors and Textures: From crisp biscotti perfect for dipping to soft, almond-flavored bites, there’s a cookie for every preference. You can mix and match varieties to create a festive assortment that looks as delightful as it tastes.
• A Holiday Mood Booster: The sweet aroma of these cookies baking fills your home with cozy, festive vibes. It’s not just about eating them—it’s the experience of making and sharing them that truly brings the holidays to life.

Ingredient List

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup chopped almonds (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

• I always use unsalted butter for baking—it lets the flavors shine without adding extra saltiness.
• Don’t skip the lemon zest! It brightens up these traditional Christmas cookies and adds a fresh, festive note.
• Almond extract is a game-changer here. Just a teaspoon gives the cookies that classic Italian flavor.
• For a little crunch, toss in chopped almonds—I love the texture contrast it gives.
• If you make the glaze, start with 2 tsp lemon juice and add more if needed. You want it pourable but not too runny!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your dough ingredients—I love using glass bowls because they’re easy to see into.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless. My hand mixer from KitchenAid is a lifesaver.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate baking—precision really matters with these classic Christmas cookies.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies evenly; I always line mine with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: Lets cookies cool completely without getting soggy on the bottom.
• Zester or Grater: To get that fresh lemon zest for bright flavor.
• Rolling Pin (Optional): If you’re rolling out dough for cut-out shapes, a wooden pin works best.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• Take the butter out of the fridge and let it soften for about 30 minutes. Soft butter makes creaming much easier.
• Pre-measure your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and extracts so everything is ready to go.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Pro Tip: Softened butter should be slightly springy when pressed—not melted. This gives the perfect texture to your cookies.

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Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar.
• Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Pro Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.

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Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
• Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly combined.

Pro Tip: Using both vanilla and almond extract creates that classic Italian Christmas cookie flavor. Don’t skip either!

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Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing here—overworked dough can make cookies tough. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated.

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Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins

• Gently fold in chopped almonds or any other desired mix-ins using a spatula.

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Step 6: Shape the Cookies

• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
• For cut-out cookies, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.

Pro Tip: Lightly flour your rolling pin and surface to prevent sticking when making cut-outs.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! Cookies will firm up as they cool, keeping them soft and tender inside.

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Step 8: Optional Glaze or Dusting

• Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and vanilla to create a simple glaze.
• Drizzle over cooled cookies or dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Pro Tip: If glazing, make sure cookies are completely cooled—otherwise, the glaze will melt and slide off.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs at room temperature mix more evenly, giving a smoother dough.
• Measure Flour Carefully: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—too much flour can make cookies dry.
• Chill Dough for Cut-Out Cookies: If rolling out dough, chilling for 15–20 minutes prevents sticking and helps shapes hold better.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
• Check Oven Temperature: Oven temps can vary—start checking cookies a minute or two early to prevent overbaking.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: For even baking, swap baking sheets halfway through the baking time.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Butter: Can use salted butter—just reduce added salt slightly.
• Almond Extract: Swap with anise extract for a slightly different traditional Italian flavor.
• Chopped Almonds: Try walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
• Lemon Zest: Orange zest works beautifully for a sweeter citrus flavor.
• Glaze: Replace lemon juice with orange juice for a subtle variation.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a richer, chewier cookie texture.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these Italian Christmas cookies on a festive platter alongside a warm cup of cocoa—it’s the perfect cozy treat for holiday movie nights.
• Pair them with espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian touch. The cookies’ flavors shine beautifully with a bold coffee.
• Arrange a mix of these cookies with biscotti and chocolate-dipped treats for a colorful dessert table at holiday gatherings.
• Wrap a few cookies in clear cellophane with a ribbon and give them as thoughtful, homemade gifts to neighbors or coworkers.
• Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or whipped cream for a simple, elegant twist that brightens up your holiday table.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness.
• Glazed Cookies: Keep glazed cookies separate from plain ones to prevent sticking or smudging.
• Refreshing Crunchy Cookies: If cookies lose their crispness, pop them in a preheated oven for 2–3 minutes to restore the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These traditional Christmas cookies actually taste even better a day or two after baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use different nuts in the recipe?

Yes! While chopped almonds are classic, walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts work beautifully. Each nut brings its own texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.

How do I keep cookies soft and chewy?

Avoid overmixing the dough once you add flour and don’t overbake them. Slightly underbaked cookies will firm up as they cool, keeping them tender inside.

Can I skip the glaze?

Totally! The glaze adds a festive touch and a bit of extra sweetness, but these cookies are delicious on their own. A dusting of powdered sugar is a simple alternative.

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes, but almond extract gives these traditional Italian Christmas cookies their signature flavor. If you don’t have it, you can try vanilla alone, though the taste will be slightly different.

How do I store glazed cookies?

Keep glazed cookies separate from plain cookies in an airtight container to prevent sticking or smudging. They’ll stay fresh for several days this way.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!