🇮🇹 Italian Christmas Cookies

Soft, buttery Italian cookies topped with a sweet lemon glaze and colorful sprinkles—perfect for Christmas cookie trays! 🎄🍪

🛒 Ingredients

For the cookies:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the glaze:

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Christmas sprinkles

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the dough:
   Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
2. Add dry ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill:
   Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
4. Shape:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should remain light in color with just slightly golden edges. Cool completely.
6. Make the glaze:
   Whisk powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Add a little more milk if needed.
7. Decorate:
   Dip or spoon glaze over each cookie and immediately add colorful sprinkles. Let the glaze set completely.

🎄 Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. They can also be frozen before glazing for up to 2–3 months.

Tip: For a classic Italian Christmas flavor, don’t skip the almond extract—it gives these cookies their distinctive bakery-style taste.