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5.0 from 549 votes

Italian Christmas Cookies

Traditional Italian Christmas cookies are a festive version of a classic - flavored with almond extract and covered in a simple almond glaze.

Prep Time
1 hr 10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 106 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla extract, or ½ teaspoon anise extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract, or vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons cream or milk, warmed
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk eggs, oil, sugar, and extract in a mixing bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Roll dough by tablespoonfuls into balls. Chill dough balls for at least an hour, or freeze for 15-20 minutes. Place cold dough balls on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake at 350°F for about 9 minutes, or till the tops are set. Bottoms will be lightly browned, but tops should still be white. Remove cookies to cooling racks and cool completely.
  4. For the glaze, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk till smooth, adding enough warm cream to get a thin but creamy consistency.
  5. Dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze, then top them with Christmas sprinkles.

Notes

  • High elevation. If at higher elevations you may need to add a few extra minutes. Bake 2 test cookies and adjust the time accordingly before baking a larger batch.
  • Store cookies (with or without the glaze) in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for 3-4 weeks.
  • Store cookie dough rolled in a ball and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the fridge. To freeze, see How to Freeze Cookie Dough.

Nutrition Information

Calories 106kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 3g (5%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 8mg (0%) Potassium 48mg (1%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 20IU (0%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 30cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 106

% Daily Value*

Calories 106kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 3g 5%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Potassium 48mg 1%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 20IU 0%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.