Classic Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
These classic Italian Christmas cookies are soft, cake-like, and covered in a sweet almond glaze with festive sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Servings: 36 cookies
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheets
- Silicone Baking Mats or Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Small Cookie Scoop
- Wire Baking Rack
- Rimmed Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon almond extract for dough
Glaze & Decoration
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond extract for glaze
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water more as needed
- rainbow nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
Prep & Dough
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl. Create a well and add oil, milk, 1 tablespoon almond extract, and eggs. Mix with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms.
- Scoop one-inch balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart, and slightly flatten the tops. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through but not browned.
Glaze & Finish
- While cookies bake, whisk powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon almond extract, and hot water in a small bowl until smooth and thick like molasses to make the glaze.
- Place a wire rack over a rimmed cookie sheet. Dip warm cookies into the glaze twice, then immediately sprinkle with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Allow them to set completely on the rack.
Notes
For best results, ensure the glaze is thick for optimal coating. Allow cookies to set completely before stacking.