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Italian Christmas Cookies.
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5 from 8 votes

Italian Christmas Cookies

Make your holidays merrier with Italian Christmas Cookies infused with anise seeds and topped with colorful sprinkles for extra festive fun.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Resting time25 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 20 cookies
Author: Yumna Jawad

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

For the glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Holiday sprinkles as needed

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and anise seeds. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar. Mix at medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extra and mix until incorporated.
  • Add the dry ingredients and process at low speed, just until a few streaks of flour remain. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and fold any visible flour in by hand with a rubber spatula. Using a 1-tablespoon sized cookie scoop, scoop the batter, then roll into round balls. Place on the prepared pan, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden brown. Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
  • Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely. While the cookies cool, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with the milk until smooth and glossy.
  • Holding the cooled cookies upside down, dip the cookie tops in the glaze. Add desired sprinkles before the glaze sets. Allow cookies to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the glaze hardens and sets.

Notes

Storing: Once the glaze has set, you can store the Italian Christmas cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can store them at room temperature for about 5-7 days. If you prefer to keep them in the fridge, they can last for about 2 weeks. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge.
Freezing: If freezing the dough, shape them into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, wait until the glaze has fully set. Then, store them in a freezer-friendly container, separating layers with wax or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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