I used to think cookies had to be massive, crunchy, and loaded with chocolate to be worth my time. Then I bit into one of these soft, cakey Italian Christmas cookies and realized I was dead wrong! It was like biting into a sweet, almond-scented cloud that instantly melted away—total texture shock in the best way possible.
These aren’t your typical chewy cookies; they’re tender, oil-based drops of joy that get a double bath in sweet almond glaze. We’re ditching the butter for oil to keep them incredibly moist, and trust me, you’re going to want to eat the dough straight from the bowl (but don’t, because, eggs).
The Soft & Pillowy Magic
These cookies break all the rules of the ‘crunchy cookie’ world. They are soft, almost like mini cakes, and the double glaze seals in that moisture for days. They are incredibly festive with those nonpareils—perfect for any holiday spread where you want to show off without spending hours decorating.
Plus, they are surprisingly light! You can stack three or four of them and not feel like you’ve eaten a brick. It’s the kind of nostalgic recipe that brings instant comfort.
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Italian Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth joy of these traditional, soft, and pillowy Italian cookies. Infused with sweet almond flavor and finished with a double-dipped glaze and festive sprinkles, they are the perfect addition to any holiday platter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup milk or water (for glaze)
- Rainbow nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar, then create a well in the center of the mixture.
- Pour the vegetable oil, milk, almond extract, and eggs into the well and mix with a wooden spoon until the dough is smooth and uniform.
- Use a small cookie scoop to grab 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the sheets with about an inch of space between them.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set and pale; they should not brown on top.
- Whisk the glaze ingredients until thick and smooth, then dip the warm cookies once to seal them and a second time after they have cooled slightly for an opaque look.
- Apply the rainbow nonpareils immediately after the second dip before the glaze sets.
Notes
To ensure the most tender texture, be careful not to overwork the dough once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. If your glaze seems too thin, simply whisk in more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a molasses-like consistency that clings to the cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Find it online: https://cookiescharm.com/italian-christmas-cookies/
The Pantry Lineup
You don’t need fancy stuff here. Just a few basics to create this melt-in-your-mouth magic:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cakey texture.
- Vegetable Oil: No butter? No problem. This keeps them soft and moist without weighing them down.
- Almond Extract: The star of the show! It gives that distinct, nostalgic Italian bakery flavor.
- Eggs & Milk: For structure and richness.
- Powdered Sugar: You’ll need a good amount for that snow-white, sweet glaze.
- Rainbow Nonpareils: The classic finishing touch for that festive look.
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Dry Stuff
Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and get those baking sheets lined. Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and sugar in a large bowl. Creating a well in the center makes mixing easier and prevents flour pockets.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the oil, milk, almond extract, and eggs into the well. Grab a sturdy wooden spoon and mix it all up until the dough is smooth and uniform. The dough will be a bit sticky, but that’s exactly what we want for that soft texture.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Use a small cookie scoop to grab 1-inch balls of dough. Place them on the sheet with about an inch of space between them—they don’t spread much! Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch them like a hawk; they should not brown. We want them pale and soft.
Step 4: The Double Glaze
Whisk your glaze ingredients until thick and smooth. Dip the warm cookies once to seal them, then let them cool slightly. Dip them a second time for that opaque white look and hit them immediately with sprinkles before the glaze sets!
Riley’s Rules for Success
Don’t Overbake: Seriously, 8-10 minutes max. They should look pale. If they brown, they might end up dry, and nobody wants a dry cookie.
The Double Dip: This is the secret to bakery-quality looks. The first dip melts a bit into the warm cookie, sealing it. The second dip sits on top for that bright white finish. If you love having a stash of reliable recipes like this, check out our Ultimate Cookie Favorites for more crowd-pleasers.
Thickness Matters: Keep your glaze thick, like molasses. If it’s too runny, it will just slide off and look translucent. Add more powdered sugar if needed!
Switch Up The Flavor
Citrus Twist: Not a fan of almond? Swap it for lemon extract and add some zest to the glaze for a fresh kick.
Boozy Bites: A splash of anisette in the glaze kicks it up a notch for the adults at the party.
Color Explosion: Change the sprinkles for different holidays! Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter. For more holiday-specific ideas, peek at our Festive Cookie Moments.
Share the Fun
Serve these on a big platter mixed with other holiday treats. They stack beautifully and the sprinkles add a pop of color to any table. They are perfect for gifting because they stay soft for days if stored in an airtight container.
If you’re looking for lighter options to balance the sugar rush on your dessert table, our Clean Cookie Living section has some great ideas to mix in.
The Sweet Finish
These Italian Christmas Cookies are proof that sometimes simple and soft wins the race. They are nostalgic, delicious, and easy to make in bulk for all your holiday parties. If you want to compare notes with another version, this Italian Christmas Cookies recipe is another cool take on the classic.
Need something faster next time? Try our Quick Cookie Solutions for when time is tight.
Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and Pinterest with your creations!
