There’s something undeniably heartwarming about baking during the holidays — the scent of vanilla and sugar, the sound of family laughter, and the sparkle of festive sprinkles. And no cookie captures that magic better than Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. These soft, buttery bites of joy are a beloved staple in many Italian-American homes, often passed down through generations, and gracing dessert trays during Christmas celebrations.
They’re not just cookies — they’re tradition wrapped in a sweet glaze, topped with colorful sprinkles, and made with love. One look at these adorable round cookies, drizzled with icing and covered in red and green nonpareils, and you know they’re made for the holidays. Whether you’re carrying on a family recipe or trying them for the first time, you’re in for something truly special.
The Magic Behind These Festive Cookies
What makes Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies so magical? It’s not just the ingredients — it’s the memories they create. These cookies are soft and cakey, more like a sweet biscuit than a traditional crunchy cookie. Their texture melts in your mouth, and the simple glaze adds just enough sweetness to balance the buttery base.
And let’s not forget the sprinkles! Those red, green, and white nonpareils don’t just scream Christmas — they add crunch and nostalgia in every bite. This isn’t just a treat, it’s a moment of joy, shared with those you love most.
A Glimpse Into Italian Holiday Baking Culture
Italian holiday baking is all about celebration, abundance, and tradition. From biscotti and pizzelle to panettone and these sprinkle cookies, there’s no shortage of sweet offerings in an Italian home during the Christmas season. These cookies, known in some regions as “Italian wedding cookies” or “anginetti”, are especially popular in Italian-American kitchens.
In many households, entire weekends are dedicated to baking batch after batch of cookies to share with neighbors, family, and friends. It’s more than just baking — it’s about keeping traditions alive and passing them on, cookie by cookie.
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
Here’s the secret: simplicity. These cookies are made with basic pantry staples — butter, sugar, eggs, flour — but the result is something comforting and festive. The addition of almond or anise extract gives them that unmistakable Italian twist. The glaze? It’s just powdered sugar and milk, but it transforms the cookie into a snow-kissed treat perfect for holiday platters.
Their round, dome-like shape is perfect for catching that glossy glaze, and the sprinkles stick like magic. They’re not too sweet, which makes them perfect for pairing with coffee, espresso, or a glass of holiday cheer.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Let’s get baking! Here’s everything you need to bring these cookies to life.
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Provides structure and keeps the cookies tender. - 3 teaspoons baking powder
Gives the cookies their gentle lift. - ½ teaspoon sea salt
Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
For that rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. - ½ cup powdered sugar + ½ cup granulated sugar
A blend for a smoother, tender crumb. - 3 large eggs, room temperature
Helps with structure and moisture.
Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and sweetness. - ½ teaspoon almond extract (or anise for a traditional taste)
Adds that signature Italian bakery flavor.
For the Glaze and Toppings
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk (or almond/coconut milk)
- Red & green nonpareil sprinkles
Choosing Between Almond and Anise Extract
This part is all about preference. Almond extract gives a sweet, nutty flavor that feels cozy and familiar. Anise extract, on the other hand, brings that classic licorice note — it’s bold, traditional, and definitely Italian. If you’re baking for kids or a crowd, almond is usually the safer bet. But if you want a cookie that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen? Go with anise.
Why Chilling the Dough is Non-Negotiable
This step is tempting to skip — especially when your kitchen smells like vanilla and you’re ready to eat cookies — but don’t skip it. Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps solidify the fat in the cookies, so they keep that cute rounded shape during baking. It also deepens the flavor and improves texture. Warm dough = flat cookies. Cold dough = perfect holiday rounds.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Ready to bake? Let’s go through it step by step.
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes on medium speed. You’re looking for a pale, creamy mixture. This sets the stage for that soft, cake-like texture.
Adding the Eggs and Extracts
Next, add 3 eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla and ½ tsp almond or anise extract. The batter will look silky and thick — like a custard base. This is exactly what you want.
Combining the Dry and Wet Mixtures
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 3 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture. Stir gently — don’t overmix. Just until the dough comes together and there’s no more visible flour.
Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This is where the magic happens — it firms up and gets easier to handle.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down slightly with your fingertips — not flat, just a little dome.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops are still pale. Don’t overbake — these cookies are meant to be soft, not crispy.
Cooling and Glazing
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Don’t rush this — warm cookies will make the glaze run right off.
For the glaze, mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable. Dip or drizzle over each cookie, then immediately top with sprinkles so they stick.
Let them sit for 10 minutes to set the glaze. Then you can stack, store, or serve!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Want your Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies to look and taste like they came straight from a professional bakery? Here are a few tried-and-true tips that’ll elevate your baking game:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can mess with the texture of the dough. Room temp ingredients blend better, creating that smooth, cohesive batter we want.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – After you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated. Overmixing develops too much gluten, which leads to tough cookies. These should be tender and pillowy!
- Scoop Evenly for Uniform Baking – Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure all your cookies are the same size. Uniform cookies bake evenly, meaning no burnt bottoms or undercooked centers.
- Glaze Quickly, Sprinkle Immediately – The glaze starts to dry fast, so work in small batches: glaze a few cookies, sprinkle, then move on to the next group. If you wait too long, the sprinkles won’t stick.
- Let the Glaze Set Completely – It might be tempting to stack or store them right away, but give the glaze time to harden. This keeps them looking pretty and prevents sticky messes.
These little tweaks may seem small, but they make a huge difference in the final product. Cookies that look as good as they taste? That’s what we’re going for!
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Problems
Let’s be real — even experienced bakers run into hiccups. Here’s how to fix common issues with these festive cookies:
- Cookies Spreading Too Much?
Your dough might be too warm. Make sure it’s thoroughly chilled before baking, and don’t place dough on a warm baking sheet. - Cookies Too Hard or Dry?
They were likely overbaked. These cookies are meant to be pale on top with just a hint of golden on the bottom. Start checking at 9 minutes. - Glaze is Too Thin or Thick?
Add milk a teaspoon at a time to thin it out. If it’s too runny, mix in a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens to your liking. - Sprinkles Falling Off?
You waited too long to sprinkle. The glaze must still be wet to catch the nonpareils, so move quickly and sprinkle right after glazing.
Remember, even if they don’t come out perfect, they’ll still taste amazing — and that’s what the holidays are all about.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Planning ahead or baking in big batches? You’re in luck. These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing.
- Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment paper to keep the glaze and sprinkles intact. - Refrigeration:
While not necessary, you can refrigerate glazed cookies for up to 10 days. Just bring them to room temperature before serving. - Freezing the Dough:
Want to prep ahead? Roll dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. - Freezing Baked Cookies:
Let the glazed cookies dry completely. Freeze in single layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temp when ready to serve — they’ll still taste freshly baked.
Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or just enjoying with your morning coffee all December long.
Print
Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + 1 hour chilling
- Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Holiday Cookies / Festive Baking / Italian Desserts
Description
🍪 Soft, buttery, festive little bites that melt in your mouth! ✨ These cookies bring all the cozy Italian holiday charm you need — tender centers, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles that light up any dessert table. 🎄💚
Ingredients
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (or anise extract for tradition)
For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
Red & green nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
Cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
⏱️ Duration: 3–4 minutes 🧈Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond (or anise) extract. Mix gently until combined.
⏱️ Duration: 2 minutes ✨In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
⏱️ Duration: 1 minute 🥣Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix for soft cookies.
⏱️ Duration: 2 minutesChill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so the cookies hold their shape.
⏱️ Duration: 1 hour ❄️Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly apart. Lightly press each ball down.
⏱️ Duration: 10 minutes + oven preheatBake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Tops should remain pale.
⏱️ Duration: 9–11 minutes 🍪Cool fully on a wire rack before glazing.
⏱️ Duration: 15–20 minutesWhisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spoon over each cookie, then immediately add sprinkles.
⏱️ Duration: 3 minutes 🎨Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
⏱️ Duration: 10 minutes
Notes
These cookies are soft, buttery, and slightly chewy — perfect for holiday dessert trays or gifting.
Chilling the dough is essential to maintain shape and create a tender texture.
Almond extract can be substituted with anise extract for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Glazing and adding sprinkles while cookies are cool ensures the decorations stick beautifully.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30–36 cookies
- Calories: ~190 kcal
Creative Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a holiday favorite, it’s fun to switch things up now and then. Try one of these festive variations for a twist on tradition:
Lemon Zest & Citrus Glaze
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- Swap milk in the glaze for lemon juice.
- Top with yellow and white sprinkles for a sunny holiday vibe.
Chocolate-Dipped Version
- Skip the glaze. After cookies cool, dip half of each one in melted dark or white chocolate.
- Decorate with crushed peppermint or gold sprinkles for a rich, elegant finish.
Peppermint Almond Combo
- Use a mix of ½ tsp almond and ¼ tsp peppermint extract.
- Use red and white sprinkles or crushed candy canes for topping.
Coconut Twist
- Stir in ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut to the dough.
- Use coconut milk in the glaze and top with white snowflake sprinkles.
Don’t be afraid to make these your own. The base dough is so versatile, you can let your imagination (and taste buds) run wild!
You may also like :
🎄 Christmas Sprinkle Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe: Soft, Festive, and Full of Holiday Magic
🎄 Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Classic That’s Fun, Festive & Easy! 🎅
Serving Ideas for Holiday Gatherings
These cookies are more than just a dessert — they’re a centerpiece. Here’s how to make them stand out on your Christmas table:
- Stack them on a tiered cookie stand for a gorgeous holiday display.
- Pair them with espresso, hot cocoa, or mulled wine at the end of a holiday meal.
- Wrap them in cellophane bags with ribbons for sweet and thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Add them to your cookie exchange tray — they’re always the first to go!
Their festive look and soft texture make them the ultimate crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re hosting or heading to a party, these cookies bring the Christmas spirit with every bite.
Making These Cookies with Kids – A Family Affair
One of the best parts about these cookies? They’re kid-friendly and fun to make together. Here’s how to get little hands involved:
- Rolling the dough into balls is easy and mess-free for kids.
- Glazing and sprinkling is like arts and crafts — edible style!
- Counting and arranging cookies on trays helps teach basic kitchen skills.
Turn it into a family baking day. Put on Christmas music, pour some hot chocolate, and let everyone take part. These aren’t just cookies — they’re memories in the making.
Final Thoughts: Baking Love Into Every Bite
Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies aren’t just a treat — they’re a tradition. They bring together everything we love about the holidays: warmth, sweetness, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing.
Soft, tender, lightly glazed, and covered in cheerful sprinkles, these cookies have a way of making people smile. They’re perfect for gifting, snacking, or setting out on the table while the family opens gifts.
So, whether you’re keeping Nonna’s memory alive or starting your own festive ritual, take some time this season to make a batch of these cookies. Pour yourself a coffee, grab a couple of cookies, and soak up the sweetness of the season.
Similar recipes :
🎄 Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Delight
Peppermint Chocolate-Dipped Sandwich Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat You’ll Crave All Year Round
FAQs About Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
1. Can I use only granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar in the dough?
You can, but powdered sugar adds a softer, more tender texture. The blend of both gives the cookies a smooth crumb and a subtle sweetness.
2. What if I don’t have nonpareil sprinkles?
No worries! You can use any sprinkles you like — jimmies, sanding sugar, or even crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
3. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just make sure to chill the dough in two separate batches for even chilling.
4. Do these cookies ship well for holiday care packages?
Yes! Once the glaze has fully set, they’re sturdy and hold up beautifully in transit. Just pack them with parchment paper between layers.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw before baking if frozen.
