Name: Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons anise extract; 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

Jump to Recipe

Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings a burst of festive joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. These cookies combine simple yet flavorful ingredients like anise extract and colorful sprinkles to create a tender, aromatic bite that is both nostalgic and irresistibly charming. Whether shaped into festive forms or rustic sticks, these cookies are a beloved tradition perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Italian Christmas Cookies, blending flavor, texture, and that signature holiday look. From the rich butter and fluffy eggs to the fragrant anise extract and cheerful sprinkles, every component brings something special to the table.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Contributes richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4 large eggs: Help bind the dough and give a slightly airy consistency.
2 teaspoons anise extract: This is the secret to that unmistakably warm, licorice-like flavor traditional to Italian Christmas Cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures your cookies rise slightly to achieve a perfect lightness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1/2 cup colorful sprinkles: For a festive pop of color and fun decorations on top.

How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature by baking time. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender crumb in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Anise Extract

Incorporate the eggs, one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition so everything blends evenly. Then add the anise extract, which gives these cookies their signature aromatic and slightly sweet licorice flavor that truly sets Italian Christmas Cookies apart.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter, stirring gently until a soft yet manageable dough forms. This dough is easy to shape and will bake into delectably tender cookies.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick if you want to use decorative cookie cutters—think stars, bells, or classic holiday shapes. Alternatively, scoop small portions and roll them into balls or sticks for a more rustic, charming look.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Bake

Place your shaped cookies about 1 inch apart on the lined baking sheet. Generously sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the tops to add that cheerful holiday sparkle. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your Italian Christmas Cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up just enough while maintaining softness inside.

How to Serve Italian Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

While colorful sprinkles are classic, you can elevate your Italian Christmas Cookies by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or piping on a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. These little touches add visual appeal and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of espresso or a cozy mug of hot cocoa to balance their sweetness. For a festive party, serve alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts to offer contrast in taste and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies tied with a festive ribbon as charming gifts for friends and family. Or arrange them on a holiday platter surrounded by fresh holly or pine sprigs to make a stunning centerpiece showcasing the true spirit of Italian Christmas Cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store your Italian Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their lovely texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies as if freshly baked, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their soft, buttery texture and refreshes the aromas, especially the glorious hint of anise.

FAQs

Can I substitute anise extract with another flavor?

While anise extract is traditional in Italian Christmas Cookies, you can experiment with vanilla or almond extract. However, this changes the cookie’s classic flavor, so use sparingly if you want to keep a similar aromatic profile.

Are Italian Christmas Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary, especially in texture. Be sure to follow a tested gluten-free recipe if you need one.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Over-softened butter or too warm an oven can cause spreading. Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and measure flour correctly. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help maintain shape.

Can I use other decorations besides sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can use colored sugar, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that the cheerful look of colorful sprinkles is part of what makes Italian Christmas Cookies so festive.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about one week. Beyond that, texture and flavor may start to decline, but freezing helps extend their shelf life.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about making and sharing Italian Christmas Cookies during the holidays. With their tender crumb, fragrant anise flavor, and festive sprinkles, these cookies are a joyful treat to bake and enjoy with loved ones. Give this recipe a try—you might just find a new holiday tradition that fills your kitchen with warmth, laughter, and sweet memories.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Italian Christmas Cookies are a festive holiday treat featuring a soft and tender texture with a subtle anise flavor. Decorated with colorful sprinkles, they make a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter or a delightful gift to share with loved ones during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons anise extract

Decoration

1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Anise: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then mix in the anise extract for that classic flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Shape Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut festive shapes or divide the dough into small balls and roll them into sticks for variety.
Arrange and Sprinkle: Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading. Sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles to add a cheerful holiday touch.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and helps the cookies set perfectly.

Notes

For a stronger anise flavor, you can add up to 1 tablespoon of anise extract.
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
You can substitute the anise extract with an equal amount of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
These cookies freeze well; wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian