Italian cookies bring soft, sweet comfort to any Christmas table, and they come together quickly with a no chill dough that keeps holiday baking stress free. These Italian cookies stay tender, slightly cakey, and lightly glazed, so every bite feels cozy and cheerful. I love how simple the dough is because you can shape it in so many fun ways, and kids always want to help. You’ll find that the mild sweetness and soft texture make them perfect with coffee or cocoa, and you can mix up the flavors with extracts you already have. Because this recipe uses basic pantry staples, you can bake a full batch fast, and then enjoy warm, festive treats without any extra fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Italian Cookies
You’ll love these Italian cookies because they use simple ingredients and mix together fast, so holiday baking feels easy. The dough stays soft and workable, and kids enjoy shaping it. Also, you can switch up the flavors with almond, lemon, or peppermint. These cookies bake in just eight minutes and stay pale and tender with a light, sweet glaze. As a result, they work for Christmas platters, classroom parties, or quick gifts. You can even shape them into knots or twists to make your cookie tray feel extra festive.
Ingredients for Italian Cookies
Core Ingredients
You’ll need softened salted butter because it adds rich flavor and helps the Italian cookies stay tender. Sugar brings sweetness and helps them bake evenly. Eggs add structure and create that soft, fluffy texture you expect from this style of cookie. A splash of milk keeps the dough smooth and easy to mix. Vanilla adds warm flavor, while a pinch of salt rounds everything out. Flour and baking powder work together to create the soft, slightly cakey bite that makes these cookies special. You may adjust the flour if you want decorative shapes.
Optional Add Ins and Flavor Variations
You can add lemon, almond, peppermint, or anise extract to give your Italian cookies a fun, seasonal twist. Sprinkles or nonpareils make them bright and festive, especially for Christmas. Also, margarine can replace butter, and any milk type will work. These flexible choices help you match the dough to your family’s favorite flavors while keeping the recipe easy.
How to Make Italian Cookies Step by Step
Prepare the Dough
Start by beating softened butter with sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Then mix in the eggs one at a time so the dough stays smooth. Add milk, vanilla, and a touch of salt. In a separate bowl, stir the flour and baking powder, then add this dry mixture to the wet bowl a little at a time. If you want to shape the Italian cookies, add extra flour until the dough feels firm enough to hold knots, twists, or balls.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Next, scoop dough into small balls or shape it however you like. Keep them about two inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for eight minutes at 350°F. They should stay pale, which means they stay soft and tender. Let the baked cookies rest on the sheet for five minutes, then move them to a rack to cool completely.
Glaze and Decorate
When the cookies feel cool, whisk powdered sugar and milk to make a thin glaze. Brush it lightly over each cookie so it dries with a shiny finish. Add sprinkles right away so they stick. Let everything set before serving these sweet Italian cookies.
Tips for Perfect Italian Cookies
Work with softened butter because it makes mixing easier and helps the cookies stay tender. Also, add flour slowly until the dough holds its shape. If you want knots or twists, keep the dough slightly firmer. Remember that these Italian cookies stay pale even when fully baked, so pull them out at eight minutes to keep them soft. Try different extracts if you want new flavors, and brush the glaze on only when the cookies are cool or it will melt. Let the glaze dry completely so it stays neat on your holiday tray.
Storage, Freezing, and Make Ahead Info
These Italian cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can freeze them for a few months, which makes holiday prep easier. For the best results, freeze them without glaze and add it after thawing. If you freeze them glazed, separate layers with parchment so they don’t stick. Thaw at room temperature, then serve them with warm drinks for an easy Christmas treat.
Serving Suggestions and Holiday Pairings
Serve these Italian cookies on Christmas dessert boards, during cookie exchanges, or during festive family baking days. They taste great with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea. Because the sweetness stays mild, you can pair them with stronger desserts too. Try setting them beside soft gingerbread cookies or colorful spritz cookies to make your holiday tray look bright and welcoming.
Recipe Notes and Ingredient Substitutions
Use salted butter for classic flavor, or add extra salt if you choose unsalted. If shaping the dough, mix in up to one extra cup of flour. Any milk works, and margarine or alternative extracts can change the flavor gently. These Italian cookies stay soft and lightly sweet, so expect a tender, biscuit like texture. You can decorate them with nonpareils or leave them plain for a simple look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Italian cookie?
Many people say amaretti and biscotti rank among the most popular, though soft glazed Italian cookies like these show up at almost every Christmas gathering.
What are Italian cookies called?
Italian cookies go by many names, and families often pass down regional versions. Some call these soft glazed cookies anginetti or Italian wedding cookies.
What are 5 basic types of cookies?
You’ll find drop cookies, bar cookies, rolled cookies, pressed cookies, and refrigerator cookies. Italian cookies often fall into the drop or shaped category.
What’s a famous Italian dessert?
Tiramisu and cannoli show up often, yet Italian Christmas cookie trays stay just as loved. Our soft Italian cookies fit right in because families enjoy them with coffee or cocoa.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Cherry Cookies for the Holidays
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Classic Christmas Prime Rib Feast
- Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
Conclusion
These Italian cookies bring soft, sweet comfort to holiday baking, and they mix together quickly with simple ingredients. You can shape them, glaze them, and decorate them to match any Christmas celebration. Because the dough stays easy to work with, you can bake them with kids or prep them ahead. Enjoy a warm batch this season, and share them with everyone you love. Find more holiday ideas anytime on my Pinterest page at Pinterest.
Italian Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour (add up to 1 extra cup if shaping)
- 3½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1½–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time. Add milk, vanilla, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture. Add up to 1 extra cup of flour if shaping.
- Shape dough into 1 tablespoon sized balls or form knots and twists. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes. Cookies should stay pale. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a thin glaze. Brush over cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set before serving.
