I have always cherished the holiday season, and nothing brings back childhood memories quite like the scent of freshly baked Italian Christmas cookies wafting through the kitchen. For me, baking these cookies is not just about creating a sweet treat; it is about carrying on a beloved tradition that fills the home with warmth, laughter, and the comforting feeling of togetherness. Each batch tells a story of family gatherings, festive decorations, and the joy of sharing something homemade with those I love.

You will love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crisp and tender, sweet but not overpowering. These cookies are delightfully versatile, allowing you to shape them into classic crescents, rings, or even simple rounds, and decorate them with powdered sugar or colored sprinkles to suit your festive spirit. Their subtle almond and vanilla flavors complement any cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making them a delightful addition to any holiday spread.

Beyond their taste, these cookies are surprisingly affordable to make. Most of the ingredients are staples that are easy to find and budget-friendly, which means you can bake a generous batch without breaking the bank. They are perfect for gifting, party platters, or simply enjoying alongside family during the holiday season.

Here’s what you will need to make these Italian Christmas Cookies:

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ cup finely chopped turkey bacon (optional, for a savory twist)
½ cup chopped chicken ham (optional)
¼ cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

These ingredients come together beautifully to create cookies that are light, flavorful, and perfect for the festive season. Whether you stick to the classic sweet version or experiment with subtle savory notes like turkey bacon or chicken ham, each bite is sure to evoke smiles and holiday cheer. The simplicity of the ingredients also makes this recipe approachable, even for beginner bakers, while still producing cookies that feel luxurious and celebratory.

How to Prepare Italian Christmas Cookies

Baking Italian Christmas cookies is both a joyful and rewarding experience. With a few simple steps, you can create a batch of cookies that are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside. The process is straightforward, and even beginner bakers will find it approachable, especially when following these detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray cleanly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir them gently to ensure an even distribution. Transitioning from this dry mixture to the wet ingredients is easier when everything is properly combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, helping the cookies achieve a soft, delicate texture. Use a hand or stand mixer for best results.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. The combination of vanilla and almond adds a warm, festive aroma to your cookies.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If necessary, add ¼ cup of milk to bring the dough together. This ensures smooth handling when shaping the cookies.
Optional Savory Twist: For a unique flavor, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped turkey bacon or ½ cup of chopped chicken ham. This step is optional but adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls or form crescents or rings, depending on your preference. Make sure each cookie is uniform in size to ensure even baking. You can use your hands or cookie molds for consistent shapes.
Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking and ensures a perfect texture.
Decorate: Once completely cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar or decorate with sprinkles. This finishing touch enhances their festive appearance and makes them irresistible at any holiday gathering.

Quick and Easy Tips

These cookies are highly customizable: swap vanilla or almond extract with citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
They are quick to prepare, taking roughly 20 minutes of active preparation before baking.
They are popular with all ages, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings, parties, or cookie exchanges.

By following these detailed steps, you can consistently produce Italian Christmas cookies that are tender, flavorful, and visually appealing. The combination of straightforward preparation and versatility ensures that these cookies become a holiday favorite for years to come.

Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies That Bring Family Traditions to Life

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Italian Christmas cookies are a beloved holiday treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Light, tender, and flavorful, these cookies combine simple ingredients to create a festive and versatile dessert. They can be sweet or slightly savory with optional turkey bacon or chicken ham, making them adaptable for different tastes.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 30 1x

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture; add milk if needed.
Fold in turkey bacon or chicken ham if desired.
Shape dough into balls, crescents, or rings, ensuring uniform size.
Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden, rotating sheets halfway.
Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or decorate as desired.

Notes

Optional savory ingredients can be omitted for a classic sweet version.

Decorate cookies with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or frosting for variety.

For softer cookies, avoid overbaking.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Italian Christmas cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, these cookies can be prepared a few days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months and thaw them before serving.

Q: Can I use a different flour?
A: All-purpose flour works best for the traditional texture, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier cookie. Gluten-free flour blends may also work, though the texture will differ slightly.

Q: Can I skip the turkey bacon or chicken ham?
A: Absolutely. The savory ingredients are optional and can be omitted for a fully traditional sweet version of the cookies.

Q: How do I keep cookies soft?
A: To maintain softness, do not overbake them. Removing the cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and cooling them on a wire rack will preserve their tender texture.

Q: Can I decorate them differently?
A: Yes, these cookies are versatile. In addition to powdered sugar, try drizzling melted chocolate, adding colored sprinkles, or even dipping half in frosting for a festive touch.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Certainly. Double all ingredients and bake in batches, ensuring enough space on the baking sheets for even cooking.