Italian Christmas Cookies

If you are looking to impress your family in the next Christmas dinner, you will do it with these Italian Christmas Cookies. You may not know it but Italian Christmas cookies are soft, buttery, fluffy, and melt in your mouth delicious.

These cookies are easy to prepare, crunchy outside, and incredibly soft inside. Flavored with a hint of vanilla and a sweet glaze, these tasty treats are a perfect holiday treat.

Take them to your next party or dinner, these will be the biggest hit! Everyone will love these, and you’ll love how easy they are to make!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love Italian Christmas Cookies?

• Plenty of varieties to try out
• Delicious flavors everyone loves
• Basic recipe is easy to prep and make
• They keep for a long time

What is the most popular Christmas cookie in Italy?

Italy’s most popular Christmas cookie is the “Biscotti di Prato.” These trats are known commonly as “Cantucci” or simply “Biscotti.” These twice-baked, almond-studded cookies have a crunchy texture and a subtly sweet flavor. This makes them perfect for dipping in Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine or into other dips and sauces.

How to serve Italian Christmas Cookies?

Italian Christmas cookies can be served on a decorative platter or tiered cookie stand as part of your holiday dessert spread. They can also be packaged in festive cellophane bags or tins and given as thoughtful homemade gifts. Don’t forget to include a variety of cookies, such as Amaretti, Pignoli, Ricciarelli, and Struffoli, to create an authentic Italian Christmas cookie assortment.

Best Italian Christmas Cookies Cooking Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients, like real butter and pure vanilla extract, for the best flavor.
• Chill the cookie dough before shaping and baking to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
• Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Variations of Italian Christmas Cookies:

• Add different types of nuts, like hazelnuts or pistachios, to your Biscotti recipe for a unique twist.
• Dip cookies like Biscotti or Amaretti in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Use a variety of extracts, like almond or lemon, to change the flavor profile of your favorite Italian Christmas cookie recipe.
• Add festive decorations, like colored sugar or edible glitter, to cookies like Ricciarelli or Pignoli for a holiday touch.

Ingredients For The Cookies:

• 4 Eggs
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Butter (At room temperature)
• 2 tsp Vanilla
• 3 1/2 cup Flour
• 4 tsp Baking Powder

Ingredients For The Icing:

• 2 cup Confectioner’s Sugar (Sifted)
• 2 tsp Vanilla
• 6 tsp Water

How to make Italian Christmas Cookies:

Step 1:  Preheat oven to 375º F / 190º C. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar.

Step 2: In the same bowl, beat in eggs and add vanilla.

Step 3: Continue beating, then add flour and baking powder slowly.

Step 4: Knead the batter manually and add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to hands.

Step 5: Pinch off dough, then roll it in your hands to form a log. Then twirl into shape. Place the cookie dough on greased baking sheets and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 6: While the cookies are in the oven, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, water, and vanilla. Stir until creamy.

Step 7: Take out the cookies from the oven and let it cool down for 15 minutes. Then, dip the cookies into the icing mixture. As an optional step, you can sprinkle with trim after this.

Step 8: Place the cookies on a wire rack with wax paper to collect the dripping icing and the sprinkles. Make sure you give the icing plenty of time to harden before you try to move the cookies or transfer them to a container. 

Enjoy!

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to store Italian Christmas Cookies?

Store Italian Christmas cookies in an airtight container for maximum freshness. You will also want to separate the layers with wax or parchment paper layers to prevent the cookies from sticking to each other. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

How to reheat Italian Christmas Cookies?

Reheating Italian Christmas cookies is not necessary, as they are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you’d like to serve them warm, you can. Spread a single layer on a cookie sheet and place in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

How long do the best Italian Christmas Cookies last in the fridge?

Italian Christmas cookies can last for 2 weeks at room temperature if they are in an airtight container. If you prefer to store them in the refrigerator, they will last up to 3-4 weeks. Do not freeze as that can alter the texture and taste when thawed back out.

Can I make ahead Italian Christmas Cookies?

Yes, Italian Christmas cookies are an ideal make-ahead treat. You can prepare the dough for several days before storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.  They are also easy to store so you can make up batches ahead of time for on-demand snacking.

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Snickerdoodle Cookies – classic cookie that pretty much everyone loves!

Cool Whip Cookies – fun and simple recipe to try for tasty cookies!

Brown Sugar Cookies – simple yet delicious cookie recipe for the family!