Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest (if using); mix until combined.
Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until dough forms.
Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on baking sheets briefly before transferring to wire racks.
Make Icing: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with enough milk (or water) to reach a smooth consistency. Divide icing into bowls, add food coloring for festive colors.
Decorate: Once cookies are cool, dip tops in icing, sprinkle with festive sprinkles, and allow icing to set.
Enjoy these soft and festive Italian Christmas cookies!
