Soft, lightly sweet, and beautifully iced, these Best Italian Christmas Cookies are a holiday classic. They’re simple to make, festive to decorate, and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the Christmas season. With a tender crumb and sweet glaze, these cookies belong on every holiday cookie tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a timeless favorite for good reason.

Soft and tender texture
Simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles
Great for holiday gifting and cookie exchanges
Easy to customize with flavors and colors

Preparation and Cooking Time

These cookies come together quickly and bake fast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling and Decorating Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Serves: Approximately 24 cookies

Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses classic baking staples to create a soft cookie base, finished with a smooth powdered sugar icing. The neutral flavor makes them ideal for festive decorations and variations.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

For Decoration
Sprinkles

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or hand mixer
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or cookie scoop

Additions and Variations

Add lemon or almond extract for a classic Italian flavor
Tint the icing with food coloring for festive designs
Top with nonpareils, sanding sugar, or holiday sprinkles
Dip cookies halfway in icing for a bakery-style look
Add orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before icing.

Make the Icing

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding a few drops of milk if needed.

Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies and immediately decorate with sprinkles.

Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa
Add to a holiday cookie platter
Package in gift boxes or tins for gifting
Enjoy as a sweet after-dinner treat

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months and ice after thawing

These Best Italian Christmas Cookies are a holiday tradition that never goes out of style. Soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they’re sure to bring joy to every festive gathering.