Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Desserts like this are patient. In fact, the flavor often settles and deepens overnight. Bake the cookies a day early, cool fully, and add the icing the morning of your event if you want them freshest.

Can I freeze the dough or cookies?

You can freeze the shaped dough in a single layer on a sheet, then bag it once firm. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time. Plain baked cookies also freeze well. Thaw completely before glazing.

My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?

Most often this happens when the butter was too warm, or the pan was too dark. Chill the dough slightly before baking, and use lighter pans. Measure flour carefully and avoid over-creaming the butter so it keeps structure.

I do not have almond extract. What can I use?

Vanilla is a gentle substitute and will create a warm, familiar flavor. If you like a more aromatic profile, try a small splash of lemon extract, but use less, as it is potent.

How do I get a smooth icing finish?

Start with a smooth powdered sugar and add milk slowly until the texture becomes glossy and moves in a ribbon. Dip the cookie top and let excess drip back into the bowl. Work on a rack so the glaze can set without sticking to surfaces.

Easy Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies (Anginetti) 2026

Name: Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies (Anginetti)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp almond extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; Non-pareils for decoration

Description

Soft, cake-like cookies with a glossy icing and festive non-pareils, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
Non-pareils for decoration

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create icing.
Dip the tops of cooled cookies in the icing and sprinkle with non-pareils.
Allow the icing to set before serving.

Notes

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 cookies
Calories: 150
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg