Our Favorite Traditional Italian Christmas Cookie Recipes
Soft, pillowy Italian Christmas cookies with a subtle vanilla flavor and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly festive and easy to make ahead for your holiday table.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
- 1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for that perfect cookie base
- ½ cup granulated sugar for sweetness that’s not too much
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to keep that soft texture
- 2 large eggs to bind and add richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to bring out warm, cozy flavors
- 1 tablespoon milk for a slight moistness boost
- 1 teaspoon baking powder to get a little rise in the cookies
- ¼ teaspoon salt to balance sweet and unlock flavor depths
- powdered sugar for dusting to give that final festive touch
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract and milk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
These cookies store well in airtight containers and freeze wonderfully—perfect for making ahead! Let them cool completely before storage.