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An assortment of traditional Italian Christmas cookies on a festive table.

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

These classic Italian Christmas cookies are a delightful treat, often flavored with anise or vanilla and topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they bring a taste of traditional Italian festive baking to your home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (or anise extract)
  • ¼ cup Milk
Glaze
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons Milk
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract (or anise extract)
  • Sprinkles For decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cookie Preparation
  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the extract.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
  4. Roll small portions of dough into balls or log shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
Glazing and Decoration
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth to create the glaze.
  2. Dip cooled cookies into the glaze and immediately decorate with sprinkles before the glaze sets. Let the glazed cookies dry completely.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. The glaze sets nicely if the cookies are completely cool before dipping.