Italian Holiday Cookies

Italian Holiday Cookies are a festive, tender, and sweet treat that instantly brings the warmth of the holidays into the kitchen. These soft, cake-like cookies are flavored with hints of vanilla and almond, then glazed and decorated with colorful sprinkles for that classic, nostalgic look. They’re perfect for cookie trays, gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies capture everything cozy and joyful about the holidays. They’re soft and pillowy with just the right amount of sweetness, and that simple glaze with sprinkles adds a fun, festive touch. The dough is easy to work with, and I can flavor it to suit my taste—lemon, anise, almond, or vanilla. These cookies remind me of family gatherings, and they look beautiful on any holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
almond extract (optional)
milk

For the glaze:
powdered sugar
milk
vanilla extract or almond extract
holiday sprinkles

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In one bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another large bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. I beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.

5. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with a little milk, until a soft dough forms.

6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, I shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. I bake for about 10–12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale and soft.

8. While the cookies cool, I whisk together the glaze ingredients.

9. Once slightly cooled, I dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and immediately add sprinkles before the glaze sets.

10. I let the cookies rest on a wire rack until the glaze is dry to the touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30–36 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

• I swap almond extract for anise extract to give the cookies a classic Italian bakery flavor.

• I sometimes add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

• For Christmas, I use red and green sprinkles, and for Easter, I go with pastel colors.

• I’ve also shaped the dough into small knots for a more traditional look.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—both glazed and unglazed. To freeze, I place them in layers with wax paper between each and store in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. I let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before shaping and baking.

What’s the best extract to use for flavor?

That depends on what I’m in the mood for. Almond is sweet and fragrant, vanilla is classic, and anise gives that old-school Italian flavor.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If the dough is too soft or warm, the cookies may spread. I chill the dough briefly if needed to help them hold their shape.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds sweetness and that signature holiday look. If I skip it, I sometimes dust the tops with powdered sugar instead.

How do I make them gluten-free?

I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor holds up well.

Conclusion

Italian Holiday Cookies are one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. Soft, tender, and full of nostalgic flavor, they’re simple to make and even more fun to decorate. Whether I’m baking them for loved ones or sneaking a few with my morning coffee, they always bring a little joy to the holidays.

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