Do you love holiday baking? If so, you're in for a treat with my Italian Christmas biscuits recipe. Whether you're sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them on your own, these biscuits will make your Christmas extra special.

Italian Christmas biscuits, or biscotti di Natale, are a cherished part of Italian holiday traditions. These cookies come in many variations, but the ones I’m sharing today are a blend of simplicity, elegance, and warmth that will make you fall in love with them.

For another Italian holiday treat you might enjoy, try my Ricciarelli—soft almond cookies that melt in your mouth!

Why These Italian Christmas Biscuits Are My Go-To Holiday Treat?

Growing up, the holidays meant more than just festive dinners; they were a time to bake, share, and savor the best traditional cookies. I remember the excitement in the kitchen as my family baked these Italian Christmas biscuits. The smells of butter, vanilla, and citrus filled the house, making it feel like Christmas was in the air.

As I got older, I continued to make these biscuits, and now, they’ve become one of my favorite Christmas traditions. They’re not too sweet, have the perfect texture, and are ideal for gifting or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea. I know once you try these, they’ll become a part of your holiday traditions, too!

For another Italian holiday treat, try my Italian biscuits recipes Christmas like almond-based cookies that melt in your mouth and are perfect for the season! 

Additionally, if you're looking for a great way to incorporate einkorn flour into your holiday baking, check out my post on Einkorn Greek Yogurt—it’s a fantastic way to add richness and depth to your recipes!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Italian Christmas Biscuits

To make these festive italian christmas biscuit recipes, it’s important to use quality ingredients. As with any Italian dessert, the flavors come from fresh, simple ingredients that create something extraordinary.

• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect biscuit base.
• Sugar: A little granulated sugar gives the cookies the right sweetness without overpowering them.
• Eggs: Use fresh eggs for richness.
• Citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh, zesty note.
• Almonds or hazelnuts (optional): Add a bit of texture and nutty flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a comforting aroma and flavor.
• Powdered sugar (for decoration): A dusting of powdered sugar makes them extra festive.

Key Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking these delightful biscuits. Here’s what you’ll need for this Italian Christmas cookies recipe:

• Mixing bowls: To combine the dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps you beat the butter and sugar to perfection.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
• Baking sheets: Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup easy.
• Cookie cutters: If you want to shape your biscuits into festive forms like stars or trees.
• Cooling racks: To let the biscuits cool down before decorating.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Perfect Italian Christmas Biscuits

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 biscuits
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Instruction

Making these Italian Christmas biscuits is simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Dough
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.
   • Stir in the citrus zest and vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If you want to include chopped nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
2. Shape the Biscuits
   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.
   • Use cookie cutters to cut out fun holiday shapes, or slice the dough into rectangles for a more traditional look.
3. Bake the Biscuits
   • Place the shaped biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
4. Decorate and Serve
   • Once the biscuits are cooled, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing for extra holiday flair.
   • Serve and enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Nutrition Facts (Per Biscuit)

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Tips for Making the Best Italian Christmas Biscuits

1. Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft, wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes before rolling out. This makes it easier to handle.
2. Use quality butter: High-quality unsalted butter makes a huge difference in the flavor of your biscuits.
3. Don't over-bake: These biscuits should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
4. Customize the shapes: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters for a fun twist. You can make stars, trees, or simple round biscuits.

I made these Italian Christmas biscuits for a holiday gathering, and they were a hit! The buttery flavor combined with the citrus zest made them irresistible. And don’t forget to check out my collection of Italian christmas cakes and biscuits at So Damn Delish, where you'll find even more festive favorites!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake these biscuits a few days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Q: What makes these Italian Christmas biscuits special?
A: These biscuits are a perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and zesty flavors, making them a great addition to any holiday table. Their simple yet elegant design makes them perfect for gifting.

Q: Can I add frosting or glaze to these biscuits?
A: Yes! You can add a light glaze or frosting for extra sweetness. I recommend a simple icing made with powdered sugar and a bit of milk.

Q: How long do these biscuits last?
A: When stored in an airtight container, these biscuits will last for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to make them in advance for your holiday celebrations.

Italian Christmas Biscuits: The Secret to a Sweet Holiday Season

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Discover So Damn Delish’s Italian Christmas biscuits recipe, featuring rich flavors, and festive decorations, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 biscuits

Ingredients

• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect biscuit base.
• Sugar: A little granulated sugar gives the cookies the right sweetness without overpowering them.
• Eggs: Use fresh eggs for richness.
• Citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh, zesty note.
• Almonds or hazelnuts (optional): Add a bit of texture and nutty flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a comforting aroma and flavor.
• Powdered sugar (for decoration): A dusting of powdered sugar makes them extra festive.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.
   • Stir in the citrus zest and vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If you want to include chopped nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
2. Shape the Biscuits
   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.
   • Use cookie cutters to cut out fun holiday shapes, or slice the dough into rectangles for a more traditional look.
3. Bake the Biscuits
   • Place the shaped biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
4. Decorate and Serve
   • Once the biscuits are cooled, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing for extra holiday flair.
   • Serve and enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Notes

1. Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft, wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes before rolling out. This makes it easier to handle.
2. Use quality butter: High-quality unsalted butter makes a huge difference in the flavor of your biscuits.
3. Don't over-bake: These biscuits should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Customize the shapes: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters for a fun twist. You can make stars, trees, or simple round biscuits.

• Author: SoDamnDelish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Sweets
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Intalian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg