Name: Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 51 min
Cuisine: Italian
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); 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; Red & green nonpareil sprinkles

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Introduction

Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, blending buttery softness with a sweet, festive glaze and colorful sprinkles. This traditional recipe is perfect for family gatherings and makes any celebration feel special.

A white plate holds a pile of nine round yellow cookies with a cracked texture. Each cookie has a dollop of white icing that drips slightly down the sides and is topped with small, round sprinkles in red, green, white, and orange colors, giving a festive look. The cookies are stacked in a way that the ones in front are clearly visible, showing their soft and crumbly surface beneath the smooth icing and colorful sprinkles. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface with a soft red cup and a red object in the distance, adding warmth without distracting from the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond (or anise) extract. Mix gently until combined, around 2 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help the cookies maintain their shape.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly apart on the baking sheet. Lightly press each ball down.
Step 8: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden while the tops remain pale.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before applying the glaze.
Step 10: Whisk powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spoon it over each cookie, then immediately add the red and green sprinkles.
Step 11: Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For a classic flavor, use almond extract; substitute with anise extract for a traditional Italian twist.
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and keep the cookies soft and thick.
Use nonpareil sprinkles immediately after glazing so they stick well and maintain their vibrant colors.
For a different glaze consistency, adjust the milk quantity slightly to make it thicker or thinner as desired.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to two weeks. Before serving, allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature. The glaze may soften slightly upon reheating, so avoid heating in a microwave to keep sprinkles intact.

How to Serve

The image shows a pile of round cookies stacked high on a white plate with subtle ridges around the edge. Each cookie is light golden brown with a rough, cracked texture on the bottom and sides, topped with a glossy white icing that drips down slightly unevenly. The icing is covered with small round sprinkles in red, green, and white colors, scattered densely all over the top. The cookies are clustered closely together, creating a layered pyramid effect. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the background is softly blurred with hints of red shapes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine in an equal amount if necessary. The cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture.

Why should I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents excessive spreading. It also enhances the flavor and texture, resulting in soft yet well-formed cookies.