Description
Italian Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday treat known for their soft, cakey texture, almond flavor, and festive glaze topped with colorful sprinkles. A beloved tradition, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Large eggs
- Pure almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in almond extract.
- Sprinkle baking powder over the mixture, then add flour and mix until dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until tops crack and bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make glaze.
- Dip cookie tops in glaze, add sprinkles, and let set.
Notes
For a milder flavor, substitute vanilla extract for almond. Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked directly from frozen.