Calling all the good cookie eaters of the world! We were made for such a time as this. This isn’t just some random list; it’s a full-on love song to Italian baking.
Get ready for cookies that are about to sing to you: BAKE ME. BAKE ME IN YOUR OVEN RIGHT NOW.
1. Italian Ricotta Cookies
Okay, you know how cream cheese makes cookies amazing? Well, get ready for ricotta. Where we use cream cheese, Italians will almost always reach for ricotta or mascarpone.
It makes these cookies unbelievably tender and creamy, but without being overly sweet. It’s a total game-changer, and I am SO here for it.
2. Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti
How amazing do those bright green pistachios look against that deep, dark chocolate? I’m practically drooling already! This biscotti recipe is just loaded with nuts, which gives the cookie itself more than enough flavor.
But, you could totally add in some dried cranberries if you wanted to skip the chocolate.
3. Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)
It’s so obvious why these are called ‘pinch’ cookies. As you can see, they’re basically just discs of dough that get pinched around a yummy filling.
The dough is a rich shortbread recipe, which means it has eggs for extra richness. Raspberry jam is my go-to for these, but Nutella is also a total winner.
4. Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies
Look, I know pine nuts can be pricey, but they are also so soft, buttery, and beautifully sweet. So why not treat yourself and make these cookies? You definitely won’t regret it!
The cookies are just a simple mix of almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, making them crazy soft and so deliciously dense. But let’s be honest, the pine nuts are the absolute best part!
5. Italian Lemon Drop Cookies
These lemon drop cookies are the perfect dance between sweet, buttery, and zesty. The lemon flavor is right there in the spotlight, but it won’t make your lips pucker up.
Instead, these just melt in your mouth, and that glaze on top is just the right touch of sweetness. A total dream.
6. Torcetti al Burro (Italian Twisted Butter Cookies)
These might have a rustic look, but they are a fantastic cookie to bake if you’re wanting something a little different. I mean, how many cookies have you seen that use yeast in the dough?
Of course, that does mean you’ll have to plan a little bit ahead. But you could always get the kids in on the action! I bet they would love twisting the dough strips and dipping them in sugar.
7. Struffoli (Italian Honey Ball Cookies)
Here’s another classic Italian cookie you will see all over the country when Christmas rolls around. Also known as honey balls, they are essentially deep-fried sweet dough that’s rolled and fried before taking a swim in a heavenly mix of honey and vanilla.
They’re usually formed into a wreath, but they are so delicious, no one will even notice if you skip that part.
8. Lemon Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti is a kind of almond-flavored cookie or biscuit. Traditionally, they can be eaten the day they’re baked while they’re still soft, or you can let them harden for a few days.
Some are even baked twice for a biscotti-like crunch. But these lemon and almond cookies are made to be soft and chewy, which is exactly how I like them.
9. Reginelle Cookies (Classic Italian Sesame Cookies)
I happen to be a huge fan of sesame, and I will put those seeds on everything from fish and bread to ice cream and cookies. It’s got a light sweetness, a lovely nuttiness, and I just love the way the seeds look when they’re baked on these cookies!
If you really want to make these pop, try tossing in a teaspoon of black sesame seeds with the regular ones. Those little black specks will look amazing on your next Insta post.
10. Italian Spumoni Cookies
With its one-of-a-kind colors and flavors, I bet this is where those New Yorkers got the idea for the classic rainbow cookie. I think these are easier to make, though!
It all starts with a simple enriched shortbread dough, which you’ll divide into three and then flavor. I’m obsessed with pistachio, but pecans are a very close second.
11. Uncinetti (Italian Easter Cookies)
These might look a lot like the sprinkle cookies you’ve seen before, but there’s a small difference with this recipe. Instead of just rolling simple dough balls, these are made by rolling the dough into strips and tying them into knots.
It’s a fun little touch that the kids will totally love.
12. Cuccidati (Italian Fig Cookie)
Originally from Sicily, these are classic holiday cookies that you’ll spot at almost every Christmas get-together in Italy. In a twist, you won’t be making cookie dough for these, but a simple shortcrust pastry instead.
Feel free to grab the store-bought kind so you can really focus on the filling! That mix of dried figs, candied citrus peel, Marsala wine, nuts, and chocolate is just to die for.
13. Tetù (Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies)
If you’re a fan of warm spices but anise isn’t your jam, these chocolatey cookies might be exactly what you’re searching for.
With touches of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest, they are fragrant and beyond tasty. So. So. Good.
14. Chocolate Amaretti Cookies
If you’re a Nutella fan, you are going to fall hard for these chocolate and almond cookies. I know that Nutella is made with hazelnuts, so the flavor will be a little different, but it’s a similar combo of richness and nutty goodness.
And did I mention that these are dairy and gluten-free? That should make them a huge hit at your next cookie swap!
15. Italian Almond-Orange Cookies
My favorite part about these has to be the crackle on top. It is such an easy thing to pull off, but it makes these cookies stand out with almost no effort on your part.
The secret to getting those cracks is to chill the dough really well. That way, as it bakes, the outer shell will break apart while the inside gets all fluffy.
16. Ricciarelli (Chewy Italian Almond Cookies)
Just like Spain, Italy is a massive producer of almonds, which is why you’ll find it in so many of these Italian cookie recipes.
For these ricciarelli cookies, you’ll be using almond flour and extract for a nice punch of flavor, but it’s balanced out with a hint of orange to keep it from being too much.
17. Italian Holiday Cookies
I don’t know about you, but every year I make a ton of thumbprint cookies only to end up getting a whole bunch as gifts. I get it, of course. They’re super delicious and so easy to make.
But if you want to be a total showstopper this year, you’ve got to try these crazy-good coconut cookies.
18. Italian Sugar Cookies
It’s not super common to see shortening in European cookies, but it’s a great way to make sure the dough doesn’t spread too much. Plus, it makes the cookie extra tender.
And since this is packed with vanilla and almond extract, you won’t miss the butter at all. Not one bit.
19. Chocolate Chip and Nut Fruitcake Cookies
These are kind of a spin on the classic Italian recipe. In the original, you have to coat the bottom of the cookie in chocolate, which can get super messy.
Instead, these have chocolate chips right in the dough. That way, you get all that great taste without the sticky fingers. We got this.
20. Cinnamon Walnut Croissant Cookies
Also called rugelach or Italian Butterhorn, these little cookies are dangerously tasty. Unlike real croissants, these won’t take hours to put together.
Instead, once the dough is ready, you can just roll it into a circle and cut slices like a pizza. The sour cream in the dough makes these light and very moist.
21. Classic Italian Pizzelles
Pizzelles are just as famous as biscotti, but they aren’t something a home baker would whip up every day. They aren’t made as often because you will need a pizzelle maker to get that signature shape.
But if you feel like treating yourself and getting the machine, I know you will be making these all the time. They’re fantastic on their own, or you can even use the dough for cannoli shells or ice cream cones.
22. Authentic Italian Anise Biscotti
Biscotti is probably the most well-known Italian cookie recipe, and it’s also one of my favorite Italian breakfast foods. Yes, breakfast!
For this anise recipe, you’ll need anise extract, which, I’ll be honest, isn’t super easy to find. So instead, you can try grinding the seeds, or just use your favorite anisette liqueur.
23. Italian Spritz Cookies
Have you treated yourself to a cookie press yet? They are seriously impressive and can take one batch of dough and turn it into over a dozen different cookies in just minutes.
Since you’ll be pressing these out (kind of like piping), the dough needs to be on the softer side. But, it still needs to be firm enough to hold its shape in the oven. Luckily, this recipe nails it!
24. Italian Sprinkle Cookies
If you loved the idea of the wedding cookies but think they could use a little glow-up, you are in luck! Of course, you could just use the same recipe and add a glaze and sprinkles.
But if you need the cookies to be nut-free, this is the recipe for you. It’s a choose-your-own adventure!
