18 Italian Christmas Cookies That Spark Holiday Joy

If you’ve been hunting for a holiday treat that screams cozy family gatherings, sparkly lights, and “Yes, I totally baked these myself,” then Italian Christmas Cookies might just become your new December obsession. These little almond-kissed beauties have been a staple in my kitchen for years—especially on those wildly busy days when you’re juggling work, kids, holiday shopping, and the cat knocking ornaments off the tree.

What I love most? These cookies are simple, comforting, and wonderfully nostalgic. And because they come together with everyday pantry staples, you won’t have to run around town searching for something fancy. If you’re craving a festive treat that’s quick, charming, and 100% holiday-approved, you’ve landed in the right place.

Welcome to the magic—Italian style!

Why You’ll Love These Italian Christmas Cookies

Let’s be honest… holiday baking can be a whole thing. Flour on your sweater, timers buzzing, a kid asking if you’re done yet—and that’s on a good day.

These Italian Christmas Cookies take the stress out of the season because:

• They’re soft, pillowy, and lightly sweet with that dreamy almond aroma.
• The dough is incredibly forgiving—sticky, yes, but forgiving.
• They bake in just 8–10 minutes, which is a gift in itself during December.
• The icing and sprinkles instantly transform them into snow-day perfection.
• And they look like you worked way harder than you actually did. (My favorite kind of recipe!)

Honestly, these cookies have bailed me out of more last-minute gatherings than I can count. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended!)
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

For the Icing

• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• Nonpareil sprinkles

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the baking powder and flour. This gives you a smooth, even mixture that makes your dough behave beautifully. Once it’s blended, set it aside and resist the urge to tinker—you’ll use it in a minute.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Add the Wet Ingredients

Using your trusty electric mixer (stand or hand-held—no judgment), whip the melted butter until it’s light and airy.

Now add the eggs, sugar, and almond extract. Mix until everything comes together. It might look a little chunky, but don’t worry—this is normal. Think of it as the “awkward teenager phase” of cookie dough. It gets better.

Step 3: Combine & Chill

Slowly add the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—no overmixing here, or your cookies might turn into tiny snowman stones.

Once it’s all incorporated, cover and chill the dough for at least one hour. The dough is sticky (hello, authentic Italian cookies), so chilling makes shaping much easier.

Step 4: Shape & Bake

After your dough has chilled, scoop out small portions using a tablespoon or mini scoop. Roll them into little balls—yes, they’ll be sticky, but that’s part of the charm.

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 8–10 minutes. The cookies should look set but not brown. Overbaking can dry them out, and nobody wants a sad holiday cookie.

Let them cool completely before icing.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

Whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until you get a thick, shiny glaze. Add the almond extract and stir again. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk. Too thin? More powdered sugar. You’re the boss here.

Step 6: Glaze & Decorate Like It’s Christmas Morning

Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet to catch drips (because sticky icing on countertops is a December nightmare).

Dip each cookie upside down into the glaze, lift, and let the excess drip off. Flip it right-side-up and set it on the rack.

Immediately add sprinkles—once the icing sets, the sprinkles won’t stick, and we want them festive!

Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Christmas Cookies

• Don’t skip chilling the dough. Sticky dough becomes much more manageable with fridge time.
• Use fresh almond extract. It’s the heart of the flavor—old extract loses its punch.
• Don’t overbake! These cookies should stay pale, soft, and tender.
• Sift your powdered sugar. This keeps the icing velvety instead of lumpy.
• And if your icing looks a little messy? Just call it “rustic holiday charm.” Works every time.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The very first time I baked these for my kids, they disappeared faster than I could say “Please don’t eat the sprinkles straight from the jar!” They instantly became my go-to December cookie. Now, every year, I make at least three batches—one for gifting, one for hosting, and one for eating while watching holiday movies in my fluffiest socks.

Recipes like this remind me why I started Chicken Magic Recipes in the first place: simple ingredients, happy moments, and the joy of sharing something homemade.

FAQs About Italian Christmas Cookies

Bring the Joy of Italian Christmas Cookies to Your Table

Whether you’re baking for a school party, hosting your family, or simply craving something sweet after a long day, these Italian Christmas Cookies deliver pure holiday comfort. They’re festive, simple, and full of almond flavor—just the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas magic.

I hope these cookies bring your home as much joy as they bring mine. Happy baking, and welcome to the Chicken Magic holiday kitchen!

Craving More Festive Sweets? Try These Reader Favorites!

If these Italian Christmas Cookies put you in a merry baking mood, here are a few more holiday treats your family will absolutely adore:

• Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies — soft, buttery, and dusted in snowy sweetness with a hint of almond magic.
• Mini Christmas Cheesecakes — adorable, colorful, and the perfect bite-sized desserts for parties and cookie swaps.
• Classic Yule Log Recipe — a stunning holiday centerpiece that looks fancy but is surprisingly fun to make.
• No-Bake Christmas Cookie Lush — creamy, dreamy layers that come together without turning on the oven (holiday miracle, right?).

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—your feedback helps our little food community grow! And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious holiday inspiration all season long.

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