These Italian Christmas Cookies are extremely popular anytime during the year, but especially at Christmas Time. Made with crostata dough (pasta frolla) and cut out into your favourite shapes. Crunchy and buttery they may just become your favourite cookie!

christmas cookies on a green christmas tree plate

I don’t think there is one household in Italy that doesn’t make cookies with pasta frolla. It is one of the must have pastry dough bases of every Pastry Store in the country. And I am sure everyone has their own recipe and method of making it. This is the dough I learned from my Mother-in-law and it is what I use for all my Italian pies and tarts including one of our favourites, Italian Crostata.

This recipe makes a double pie crust, so whenever I make a single layer pie I always make some cut out cookies with the left over dough.

Table of Contents

In a large bowl (or mixer with paddle attachment or food processor), whisk together the flour, sugar and baking powder, create a well in the middle and add the slightly beaten egg and yolk and butter. Mix together until almost combined.

making the dough in a food processor, whisked dry ingredients and the dough almost combined

Move the dough to a slightly floured flat surface and gently knead the mixture to form a soft dough ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Remove the dough from the fridge, divide it in half, roll out (one half of it at a time, the remainder keep chilled), on a lightly floured flat surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness or less if you prefer. Cut out with your favourite cookie cutters, place the cookies on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, chill while the oven is pre-heating.

cookies on a cookie sheet before & after baking

Bake until lightly golden, let cool then dust with powdered sugar, they can also be made into sandwich cookies, top one side of the cookie with your favourite filling, such as hazelnut cream or even jam.

cookies dusted with powdered sugar and filled with jam and hazelnut cream

What is Pasta Frolla?

It is a shortcrust pastry which is made of flour, salt, sugar, butter, eggs baking powder and sometimes flavours. It has a soft but compact texture, which allows it to be used to create pastries and biscuits. The pastry is crumbly but also compact.

How to store it

The cookies should be kept in an airtight container or bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days but can be kept up to 5-7 days if refrigerated. They can also be frozen in a freezer safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 1-2 months.

What can I add to the dough for flavouring?

If you wish you can add the zest of a lemon or even an orange, seeds from a vanilla bean or even some ground cinnamon. Add the additions with the flour.

What to make with Pasta Frolla dough

Besides making cooking this dough makes a delicious base to any pie of choice, such as this Tiramisu Pie, Italian Chocolate Pie, or this Strawberry Pie.

cookies on a wire rack with a christmas tree candle

More Delicious Italian Cookies

So if you are looking to add some delicious cookies to your cookie list this year, I would love if you tried these Italian Christmas Cookies and let me know what you think. Enjoy!