By Italian Christmas Cookies is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Italian Christmas Cookies captures the essence of desserts|cookies & biscuits while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Italian Christmas Cookies becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ tablespoons milk
How To Make Italian Christmas Cookies
Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
Step 2In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Step 3Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4In a medium bowl, cream together the remaining butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat in vanilla and milk gradually until a spreadable consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.
PREPARATION STEPS
Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
Step 2In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese
Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Step 3Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4In a medium bowl, cream together the remaining butter and confectioners’ sugar
Beat in vanilla and milk gradually until a spreadable consistency is reached
Frost cooled cookies.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
