Picture this: small, but thick sugar cookies with a sweet almond flavor. Delightful on their own, then these beauties are dipped in a rich vanilla glaze and topped with festive sprinkles! Perfect for the holidays, but great any time of the year!

These cookies are soft & cakey, buttery & sweet! They just may become your new holiday favorite!

And usually, vanilla glazes are super sweet, but they don't really add to the flavor of your baked good. Try just a bit of glaze on its own and you will see what I mean. They're made with tons of powdered sugar and a little liquid. So, I decided to add some melted butter- GAME CHANGER! Now, this vanilla glaze is highly addicting, even when enjoyed on its own! The perfect frosting for these fun cookies!

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Reasons You'll Love Italian Christmas Cookies

• Made with basic pantry ingredients. These cookies are made with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
• Soft, cake-like cookies. These are soft, little morsels of heaven!
• Sweet almond flavor. Just a little almond extract adds the perfect amount of rich almond flavor!
• Vanilla Glaze- not just sweet, but buttery too. Many glazes use powdered sugar and liquid. I like to add some melted butter for a true flavor upgrade!

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Ingredients in Gluten Free Italian Christmas Cookies

• Butter
• Coconut or Cane Sugar
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla
• Almond Extract 
• Eggs
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Gluten Free Flour Blend
• Milk or Cream
• Holiday Sprinkles

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How to Make Italian Christmas Cookies

1. First, mix the dough. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and eggs. Then, beat in the baking powder, salt, and gluten free flour blend. 
2. Next, refrigerate the dough. This will allow the dry ingredients to absorb moisture from the wet ingredients. It also allows the butter to re-solidify, which keeps the cookies from spreading in the oven.
3. Then, scoop and roll the cookies. Spoon cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. For uniformity, use a cookie scoop and roll the dough into balls. Then, bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Whisk the glaze. In a medium bowl, melt the butter, Then, whisk in vanilla, milk/cream, and powdered sugar.
5. Dip and add sprinkles. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze. Then, move in a circular motion to allow any excess glaze to drip off. Add sprinkles for a fun and festive feel!

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What is the most popular Christmas cookie in the US?

The most popular Christmas cookie comes as no surprise to me- it's peanut butter blossoms! Those peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey's kiss are definitely yummy; but also, not very Christmassy... On the other hand, these gluten free Italian Christmas cookies are sweet, fun, and festive!

How to Store Italian Christmas Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unglazed. Prior to serving, dip in glaze and top with sprinkles.

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Craving more???

Crustless Holiday Quiche

Gluten Free Holiday Cracker Candy

Gluten Free Cannoli Cookies