Italian Christmas cookies are a beloved holiday tradition, treasured for their soft, cake-like texture, delicate flavor, and cheerful sprinkles. Made with simple pantry ingredients and kissed with vanilla and anise, these cookies are the kind your Nonna would proudly stack high on a platter. Topped with a sweet, glossy glaze and colorful sprinkles, they look just as festive as they taste. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap or enjoying with espresso, they’re the essence of holiday baking joy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🎄 Classic & nostalgic – A true Italian-American holiday staple
- 🍪 Soft, tender texture – Like a little cake in every bite
- 🌿 Lightly flavored with anise – Just enough to be aromatic, not overpowering
- 🍬 Sweet glaze & sprinkles – Adds fun and festive flair
- ⏱ Quick & easy – No chilling or complicated steps
- 👩👧 Perfect for baking with kids – Rolling and glazing is family fun
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp anise extract (or up to 1 tsp for stronger flavor)
- ¼ cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Colorful sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, anise extract, and milk.
- Combine & Form Dough
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies
- Scoop 1 tbsp of dough and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until cookies are puffed and just set (not browned). Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip & Decorate
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze. Return to rack and immediately top with sprinkles. Let set.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: ~36 cookies
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 95
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Tips & Variations
- Flavor it your way: Try almond extract or lemon zest for a twist
- No anise? You can omit or replace with more vanilla
- Add citrus: Grate in orange zest for a fragrant holiday touch
- Make ahead: Bake cookies and freeze (unglazed) up to 2 months
- Holiday color themes: Use red, green, gold, or white sprinkles for a custom look
- Glaze too thin? Add more sugar. Too thick? Add a few drops of milk
Italian Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt.
- Cream butter & sugar. Beat in eggs, extracts, milk.
- Mix in dry ingredients to form soft dough.
- Roll into 1 tbsp balls. Place 2” apart.
- Bake 10–12 mins until just set. Cool fully.
- Whisk glaze ingredients. Dip tops of cookies and add sprinkles. Let set.
Notes
– Use food coloring in glaze for a fun variation
– Swap anise for lemon or almond for a twist
– Store in airtight container for up to 5 days
FAQs
What are Italian Christmas cookies made of?
They’re made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and flavored with vanilla and anise. Topped with glaze and festive sprinkles.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze them before glazing for best results. Glaze once thawed.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well and is great for cookie exchanges.
Do they spread much?
Not really—these cookies puff up, staying thick and cakey.
Conclusion
Soft, buttery, and full of festive charm, these Italian Christmas cookies belong on every holiday tray. Their nostalgic flavor and whimsical glaze bring back childhood memories and make new ones in every bite. Whether you’re new to Italian baking or it’s your family’s tradition, this recipe is easy, delicious, and made to share. Bake them once, and they’ll become part of your annual cookie celebration.