Christmas Cookie Ideas - The Best Italian Holiday Cookie Recipes

If you're looking for Christmas cookie ideas that will impress your family, fill your cookie trays, and make the most beautiful gift boxes, you have come to exactly the right place. Because after all, the holidays aren't complete without a kitchen that smells like butter, sugar, and warm spices.

This collection brings together my favourite holiday cookie recipes from classic Italian butter cookies and soft chewy amaretti to spice gingersnaps and festive cranberry orange butter cookies.

Visit my recipe box for some more great recipe ideas inspired by Italian tradition!

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Tips for Planning Your Perfect Christmas Cookie Tray and Giveaways
Christmas Cookie Planning Tips
How to Store and Transport Your Christmas Cookies
How to Arrange Cookies on a Christmas Cookie Tray
Common Tools and Equipment Needed for Making Cookies
Common Ingredients used in Christmas Cookie Recipes
The Best Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas
Commonly Asked Questions
Desserts You'll Fall For
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Every year around the first week of December, I find myself pulling out my binder of cookie recipes and doing the same thing I have done since I was a little girl watching my mom bake in our kitchen, planning the Christmas cookie tray.

For fmy family, the cookie tray is serious business. There has to be variety. there has to be something chocolatey, something nutty, something buttery, and always, always something Italian. It is one of those traditions that makes the holidays feel like the holidays.

Over the years I have build up a solid collection of go to Christmas cookie recipes that have been taste tested by my family and approved by even the pickiest of critics.

I am sharing them all right her so you can build your own beautiful cookie tray this season.

Consider the following when planning on making cookies for Christmas cookie trays:

Variety: Consider baking a variety of cookies with different shapes, colors, and flavors to make the cookie tray more visually appealing and interesting.

Quantity: Determine the number of guests and how many cookies each person is likely to eat to ensure you have enough cookies to go around.

Time: Plan ahead and allow enough time to bake and decorate the cookies. Some cookies may require chilling or resting time, so make sure you read the recipe ahead of time.

Storage: Consider the storage options for the cookies. Some cookies may need to be stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness, while others may need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

How to Store and Transport Your Christmas Cookies

If you have ever made cookies to add to Christmas cookie trays you want to gift, you know what it feels like to be proud of your work. The last thing you want to do is to have your hard work discarded by improper storage or wrapping.

Here are some tips on storage for your cookies, whether you are giving them away as gifts or storing them to give away later.

Cooling Racks: Allow cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before storing them. This helps to prevent moisture from building up and ruining your cookies.
Airtight Containers: Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. You can also separate the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cookie Tin: Cookie tins are perfect for storing and transporting Christmas cookies. They come in various sizes and designs, making them a festive addition to your cookie tray.
Plastic Wrap: You can wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. This method is especially useful for delicate cookies.
Freezer Bags: If you need to transport cookies for a longer period, consider using freezer bags. These bags are sturdy and will protect your cookies from getting crushed.
Cookie Boxes or Treat Bags: For an elegant touch, you can package your Christmas cookies in decorative boxes. These boxes come in various shapes and sizes and can be found at craft stores or online.
Hand Carry: If you're traveling with cookies, consider carrying them in a hand-carry bag to prevent them from getting crushed or damaged during transit.
Car Trunk: If you're transporting a large amount of cookies, consider using your car trunk. Place the cookies in a sturdy container and secure it to prevent it from moving around while you're driving.

When it comes to putting together a cookie tray for a special occasion or holiday, arranging the cookies can make all the difference. A well-arranged tray not only looks visually appealing, but it can also help to showcase the unique features of each type of cookie.

Proper arrangement also makes it easier to choose which cookie you want to try first and help to prevent cookies from getting crushed or damaged during transport or serving.

Here are a few tips on arranging cookies on a cookie tray:

Group by type: Arrange cookies into groups based on their type, such as chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or gingerbread.
Arrange by size: Place larger cookies in the center and smaller cookies around them.
Create a color scheme: Arrange cookies in a way that creates a visually appealing color scheme.
Use height variation: Use stands or pedestals to create height variation and add visual interest.
Add decor: Add decorative elements, such as holiday-themed napkins or ornaments, to enhance the display.

Common Tools and Equipment Needed for Making Cookies

Baking cookies is a fun and delicious activity, but having the right equipment can make all the difference. In order to make perfect cookies every time, there are a few essential tools you'll need. First and foremost, you'll need a mixing bowl and a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together.

You'll also need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients, as well as a baking sheet to place the cookies on. A cooling rack is also important to prevent the cookies from getting soggy after baking.

Cookie cutters come in handy particularly if you are making cookies in various shapes like stars, hearts or circles. Find these on Amazon or at your local craft store.

Finally, some recipes may call for additional equipment such as a cookie scoop, piping bag, or rolling pin. Having these basic tools on hand will ensure that you're ready to make delicious cookies whenever the craving strikes.

For arranging cookies on a cookie tray, consider having a large platter or tray, baking parchment paper. A set of small tongs or a spoon can also be helpful for picking up and placing delicate cookies, while a small knife can be used to trim any rough edges.

Having equipment ready can make the process of baking and arranging cookies much smoother and enjoyable.

If you bake cookies regularly, chances are you already have most of what you need sitting in your pantry right now. The foundation of almost every cookie recipe on this list starts with the same handful of staples to create the perfect cookie dough:

butter
sugar
eggs
all purpose flour
vanilla extract
baking powder
cinnamon

Simple Nutella Cookies

These are the cookies I make when I need something on the table fast. Just a handful of ingredients, no special equipment, and they bake up in the most wonderfully soft and chewy little things. If there is a Nutella lover in your house, and there always is, these will disappear before they even make it to the tray.

Get recipe for Simple Nutella Cookies

Nutella Cookies on a wooden cutting board

Maple Walnut Cookie with a White Glaze

There is something about the combination of maple and walnut that just feels like winter to me. These buttery shortbread cookies are topped with royal icing and a sprinkle of festive colour, and they look absolutely gorgeous on a cookie tray. They are also one of those cookies that tastes even better the next day, which makes them perfect for making ahead.

Get recipe for Maple Walnut Cookies

Crunchy Ginger Snap Cookies

Not every cookie on an Italian holiday tray needs to be Italian, and these gingner snaps prove it. Warm spices, rich molasses, and that signature satisfying snap when you bite into one, they are a holiday classic for a reason. They also make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible while they bake, which is reason enough to make them.

Get recipe for Ginger Snap Cookies

baked ginger snap cookies in a red plate on a doily

Soft Amaretti Cookies

These are one of my personal recipes on the blog because amaretti cookies were always on my mom's Christmas tray without fail. Soft, chewy, full of almond flavour, and with that gentle Italian charm that makes them feel a little more special than your average cookie. They are also naturally gluten free, which is always a bonus when you are baking for a crowd.

Get recipe for Soft Amaretti Cookies

Soft Amaretti Cookies stacked on a white counter

Almond Brittle

If you grew up in an Italian household, you already know that Christmas is not complete without a batch of almond brittle on the table. This is one of those recipes that take me straight back to my mom's kitchen. The smell of toasted almonds and warm honey filling the house while we waited (impatiently) for it to cool down enough to break apart and eat. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this traditional Italian almond brittle is crunchy, golden, and absolutely irresistible.

Get recipe for Peanut Brittle

Coconut Macaroon Cookies

Crispy on the outside, chewy and pillowy on the inside, and made with just a few simple ingredients. These coconut macaroons are the kind of cookie that always surprises people because they look impressive but take almost no effort to make. They also happen to be naturally gluten free, which makes them a crowd pleaser at any gathering.

Get recipe for Coconut Macaroons

Easy Chocolate Peppermint Wafers

If you like the flavor of chocolate and peppermint then you will absolutely love this Easy Chocolate Peppermint Wafers. Made with four or less ingredients, options for making these Chocolate Wafers Cookies are endless.

Get recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Wafers

Cranberry Orange Butter Cookies

Bright orange zest, chewy dried cranberries, and a rich buttery shortbread base. These are the cookies that always get the most compliments. They look festive, they taste incredible, and the citrus cuts through all the richness of the other cookies on the tray in the best possible way.

Get recipe for Orange Cranberry Cookies

3 Cranberry orange cookies in a white plate

Melt in Your Mouth Italian Butter Cookies

These are the cookies that started it all for me. A traditional Italian cut out shortbread cookie, rolled out and cut into shapes, then dipped in chocolate and decoarated with sprinkles. Rich, buttery, and completly melt in your mouth. They look like they came from an Italian pasticceria but are surprisingly simple to make at home. An absolute must on any Christmas cookie tray.

Get recipe for Italian Butter Cookies

Italian butter cookies dipped in chocolate on a white plate

Melt in Your Mouth Almond Thumbprint Cookie

Your Christmas Cookie tray isn't complete without a thumbprint cookie. Whether you top it with cherry, raspberry, strawberry or your favorite jam filling, they are absolutely delicious. Every bite melts in your mouth and tingles your sensations with a touch of almond essence. This is a cookie won't want to forget!

Check out this recipe

almond thumbprint cookies in a white plate with icing

Authentic Italian Pizzelle Cookie Recipe with Anise

Growing up, smelling Italian Pizzelle Cookies with Anise meant that there was a special occasion around the corner like Easter holidays or Christmas time. Mom always had her little recipe book with her top secret original recipes that were tried and true.

The pizzelle cookie is not only an easy cookie recipe to make but it's a classic Italian cookie that you'll find at special occasions.

Check out this recipe

Pizzelle cookies with anise on cooling rack

Commonly Asked Questions

How many cookies should I make for a Christmas cookie tray?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least 3 to 4 cookies per person if the tray is being served as part of a larger spread, or 6 to 8 cookies per person if the cookies are the main event. For gift trays, I usually aim for a minim of 12 to 15 cookies per box so there is a nice variety and the tray looks generous and full. When in doubt, always make more than you think you need. In my experience, a tray of homemade Christmas cookies never lasts as long as you expect it to.

Can I freeze Christmas cookies ahead of time?

Most Christmas cookies freeze beautifully, which makes them perfect for getting ahead of the holiday rush. The best approach is to freeze your cookies before decorating or dipping them in chocolate, as icings and chocolate coatings can crack or become sticky after thawing. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Most cookies will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bring them to room temperature before decorating.

How far in advance can I bake Christmas cookies?

Most baked cookies will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, which means you can absolutely get a head start on your holiday baking. If you want to bake even further in advance, freezing is your best friend. Cookie dough can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months so you can bake fresh batches whenever you need them.