Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies (Anise Recipe)

Table of Contents

• 1. Why These Italian Christmas Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Bake
• 2. The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
• 3. How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies: Step-by-Step
  • 3.1. Step 1: Preparing the Dough
  • 3.2. Step 2: Shaping the Cookies
  • 3.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection
  • 3.4. Step 4: Icing and Sprinkling
• 4. Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies
• 5. Variations: Adding Your Personal Touch
• 6. Storing Your Delicious Cookies
• 7. Foire Aux Questions

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house during the holidays. This recipe for authentic Italian Christmas Cookies is a treasured tradition, passed down through generations, that brings warmth and sweetness to any festive gathering. These tender, cake-like cookies are flavored with a hint of anise and topped with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your holiday baking journey, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Join me in the kitchen as we create a batch of these unforgettable treats that are sure to become a new favorite in your home. Let’s get baking!

1. Why These Italian Christmas Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Bake

Every family has its go-to holiday recipes, and these Italian Christmas Cookies deserve a prime spot on your list. What makes them so special? It’s their unique texture – they are wonderfully soft and almost cake-like, a delightful contrast to the typical crunchy holiday cookie. The subtle licorice-like flavor of anise extract gives them a traditional, sophisticated taste that is instantly recognizable and utterly comforting.

Beyond their amazing flavor and texture, these cookies are a celebration of simplicity. The dough comes together quickly with basic pantry staples, and the decorating process is a fun activity for the whole family. They look absolutely stunning on a cookie platter and are perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, and teachers during the festive season.

2. The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for this classic recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to gather from your pantry and fridge:

• For the Cookies:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract (the key to that traditional flavor!)
• For the Icing:
  • 2 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Nonpareils or colorful sprinkles for decorating

3. How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies: Step-by-Step

Ready to create some holiday magic? Follow these simple steps for perfect cookies every time. The process is simple and results in the most delightful traditional cookies.

3.1. Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and the all-important anise extract. For more information on why anise is so popular in Italian baking, you can read this great article from Bon Appétit.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky. Do not overmix!
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for making the dough easier to handle.

3.2. Step 2: Shaping the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Take about a tablespoon of chilled dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. You can also roll the dough into ropes and tie them into simple knots for a more traditional shape.
3. Place the shaped cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. They will puff up and spread a little during baking.

3.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
2. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important they are fully cool before you ice them.

3.4. Step 4: Icing and Sprinkling

1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more sugar.
2. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
3. Place the glazed cookie back on the wire rack (with parchment paper underneath to catch drips) and immediately add your festive nonpareils or sprinkles. The icing sets quickly!
4. Let the cookies sit for about an hour to allow the icing to fully harden.

4. Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your Italian Christmas Cookies are absolutely perfect, keep these simple tips in mind. They make all the difference!

• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is essential. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and makes the sticky dough much easier to shape.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps the ingredients combine more evenly, resulting in a better cookie texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, leading to dry cookies.
• Watch the Oven: These cookies bake quickly! Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. The bottoms should just be turning a light golden brown.

5. Variations: Adding Your Personal Touch

While the classic anise flavor is traditional, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to customize your cookies:

• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
• Almond Flavor: Swap the anise extract for almond extract for a nutty, marzipan-like taste.
• Different Icing: Add a drop of food coloring to the icing to create different colored cookies for your platter.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a full glaze, melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.

6. Storing Your Delicious Cookies

These cookies store wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead option for the busy holiday season. Once the icing has completely set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. See others recipes here .

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dough is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to roll and shape.

My icing is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?

This is a common and easy-to-fix issue! If your icing is too thin and runny, simply whisk in more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If the icing is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s smooth and pourable but still thick enough to coat the cookies.

Can I freeze these Italian Christmas Cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze very well. For best results, freeze the cookies after they have baked and cooled but *before* icing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and decorating.