Italian Cookie Recipes

Abbondanza!

Of course, there are more sophisticated desserts, but few can inspire the same delight as a large plate of Italian cookies. We've selected 14 favorite recipes, from Italian-American classics from the 1920s to ancient Roman recipes that predate Christmas by hundreds of years. There's something for everyone on this list, though choosing just one cookie is a challenge.

Biscotti with chocolate chips and pistachios

These twice-baked Tuscan cookies are perfect for dipping in strong espresso, though milk and hot chocolate would also work. If you can't find shelled pistachios or they're too expensive, feel free to substitute other nuts (walnuts are a great option).

Recipe: Biscotti with chocolate chips and pistachios

Cookies "Regina"

These Sicilian sesame cookies are a great example of a not-too-sweet dessert. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they're truly royally delicious.

Recipe: Cookies "Regina"

Cookies "Anguinetti"

These lemon-glazed cookies originated in southern Italy but are a worldwide favorite. They're light and airy, somewhere between a cake and a cookie.

Recipe: Cookies "Anguinetti"

Lady Kisses Cookies

The history of this cookie is somewhat obscure, but it's easy to see why it's called that (it's Italian for "lady's kiss"). Who wouldn't want to kiss the person who treats you to a delicious buttery, nutty cookie with a Nutella filling?

Recipe: Lady Kisses Cookies

Orange Ricotta Cookies

Be warned: once you try these cookies, you'll be hard-pressed to stop. Luckily, the dough freezes perfectly, so you can stock up for emergencies.

Recipe: Orange Ricotta Cookies

Italian sandwich cookies

This popular bakery cookie isn't strictly Italian, but rather a variation on the classic spritz cookie, created by immigrants. In America, it's hard to find a cookie tray that doesn't include this dinner dessert.

Recipe: Italian sandwich cookies

Florentini Espresso Cookies

These lacy almond cookies with a rich toffee flavor can be shaped into cups, rolled into tubes, or formed into boats as a dessert base after baking. They're also easy to customize: glaze with chocolate, substitute espresso for any liqueur, or make sandwiches with Nutella.

Recipe: Florentini Espresso Cookies

Mostacioli cookies

These may be the very first Christmas cookies, as the recipe is believed to have originated in 300 BC. The original recipe mentions ingredients such as rye flour, cumin, cheese, anise, and eggs. More than 2,000 years later, the dessert evolved into a chocolate-hazelnut cookie enriched with warming winter spices.

Recipe: Mostacioli cookies

Pignoli cookies

These chewy Sicilian cookies are gluten-free and very easy to make. Buy jarred almond paste, but avoid marzipan, which contains more sugar.

Recipe: Pignoli cookies

Pizzelle wafer cookies

Pizzelli are crispy wafer-shaped cookies from Abruzzo, a central region of Italy, baked in a special pan. Like mustaccioli, they predate Christmas—they are said to be the oldest cookie on Earth, dating back to the 8th century BC. In ancient times, the press was made from a cast-iron skillet and heated over a fire or stovetop. While you can still find such presses today, electric ones are much easier to use and are readily available online and in major retail chains.

Recipe: Pizzelle wafer cookies

Italian corn cookies

Polenta doesn't refer to a specific type of grain, but rather to a dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal. These crispy cookies are hard to resist, so you might want to double the ingredients and keep a batch in the freezer for baking whenever the mood strikes.

Recipe: Italian corn cookies

Italian layered cookies

The colors are probably meant to reflect the Italian flag, but this palette is simply perfect for Christmas. To make the cookies vibrant, buy gel food coloring from kitchenware or craft stores. Liquid food coloring from the supermarket won't produce rich greens and reds.

Recipe: Italian layered cookies

Easter cookies "Taralli Dolci"

These large, round cookies are traditionally baked for Easter in southern Italy, but they're also great for Christmas. Decorative sugar adds a festive touch. Their subtle sweet flavor makes them a wonderful accompaniment to tea or espresso.

Recipe: Easter cookies "Taralli Dolci"

Ricciarelli cookies

Ricciarelli are a relative of the ubiquitous amaretto cookie. They originated in Tuscany in the 14th century and are still served at Christmas. These crisp, flourless almond cookies can be stored for several weeks in a sealed container, making them convenient to bake in advance.

Recipe: Ricciarelli cookies