When you think of Italy, you may immediately conjure up images of pizza and negronis.
However, Italian desserts are just as noteworthy, and their cookie recipes are no exception.
From crunchy pizzicati to chewy pignoli, these old-fashioned cookies are reminiscent of the treats your grandma used to make.
In this article, we’ll explore some of Italy’s best cookie recipes that prove the country’s rich dessert culture extends far beyond pizza.
Uncinetti (Italian Easter Cookies)
For a fun twist on traditional Easter cookies, try making Uncinetti. Instead of simple dough balls, these cookies are made by rolling the dough into strips and tying them into knots. Kids will love the playful shape and they’re a great addition to any Easter dessert spread.
Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti
Looking for a delicious biscotti recipe that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than these Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti! With the bright green pistachios and sultry dark chocolate, these cookies are sure to impress. The recipe is loaded with nuts, giving it a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. And if you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can easily omit it and add dried cranberries instead. Give these biscotti a try and you won’t be disappointed!
Italian Sugar Cookies
Italian sugar cookies are a delightful treat that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These cookies are unique in that they use shortening instead of butter, which prevents the dough from spreading too much and results in a tender texture. The addition of vanilla and almond extract gives these cookies a delicious flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
Italian Ricotta Cookies
When it comes to making cookies, the Italians prefer to use mascarpone or ricotta instead of cream cheese. Ricotta, in particular, can make your cookies creamy, tender, and delicious, just like cream cheese. However, it won’t add as much sweetness as cream cheese does. So, if you’re looking for a less sweet alternative to cream cheese, try using ricotta in your cookie recipe.
Struffoli (Italian Honey Ball Cookies)
You’ll find Struffoli all over Italy during Christmas. These deep-fried sweet dough balls are bathed in a heavenly mixture of honey and vanilla. Traditionally shaped into a wreath, these honey balls are so delicious that nobody will mind if you skip that step.
Torcetti al Burro (Italian Twisted Butter Cookies)
If you’re looking for a unique cookie recipe, Torcetti al Burro is a great option. These cookies have yeast in the dough, which means you’ll need to plan ahead, but they’re worth the effort. The dough is twisted into strips, dipped in sugar, and baked to perfection. It’s a fun recipe to make with kids, who will enjoy twisting the dough. These cookies have a rustic look, but they’re delicious and a great addition to any dessert table.
Italian Sprinkle Cookies
If you’re looking for a nut-free version of the wedding cookies, you can try making Italian sprinkle cookies. The cookies can be made by adding glaze and sprinkles to the same recipe as the wedding cookies. This recipe is perfect for those who need a nut-free option.
Italian Wedding Cookies
Italian wedding cookies are similar to Mexican wedding cookies, with a nutty, buttery, and sweet flavor. These cookies can be flavored with anise or lemon, but the traditional vanilla flavor is the best. To enhance the appearance of the cookies, it is recommended to use vanilla paste to add black flecks.
Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies
Looking for a luxurious treat? Try making Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies! While pine nuts can be expensive, the soft and buttery texture of these cookies make them worth the splurge. Made from a simple blend of almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are deliciously dense and crazy soft. But the true star of the show are the pine nuts, which add a beautifully sweet and nutty flavor to every bite. Treat yourself to these amazing cookies today!
Chocolate Amaretti Cookies
You can’t go wrong with these delicious chocolate amaretti cookies. They’re the perfect combination of chocolate and almond flavors, which makes them a great treat for Nutella lovers. What’s even better is that they’re dairy and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cookie exchange or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Cuccidati (Italian Fig Cookie)
Cuccidati are a traditional Italian holiday cookie that originated from Sicily. These cookies are made with a simple shortcrust pastry and filled with a delicious blend of dried figs, candied citrus peel, Marsala wine, nuts, and chocolate. Instead of making the dough from scratch, you can use store-bought pastry to make the process easier. These cookies are a must-have for any Christmas gathering in Italy and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Italian Lemon Drop Cookies
Italian Lemon Drop Cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are made with a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and zesty flavors. The lemon flavor is prominent, but not overpowering, and the cookies will melt in your mouth. The glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness to these delicious cookies.
Italian Almond-Orange Cookies
To achieve the signature crackle on top of these Italian almond-orange cookies, it’s important to chill the dough thoroughly. As the cookies bake, the outer shell will break apart, revealing a fluffy inside. The effect is easy to achieve but makes the cookies stand out with little effort on your part. Here are some key points to keep in mind when making these delicious cookies:
- Chill the dough thoroughly before baking
- Use almond flour and orange zest for a unique flavor
- The crackle on top adds texture and visual appeal
Try making these Italian almond-orange cookies for your next baking project. They’re sure to impress with their unique flavor and eye-catching appearance.
Authentic Italian Anise Biscotti
Looking for a classic Italian biscotti recipe? Look no further than these Authentic Italian Anise Biscotti. These cookies are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Unfortunately, anise extract can be hard to find, but don’t worry! You can still make these delicious biscotti by grinding the seeds or using anisette liqueur instead. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
Classic Italian Pizzelles
If you’re a fan of biscotti, you’ll love pizzelles. These classic Italian waffle cookies are a treat for any occasion. Although they require a pizzelle maker to achieve that signature shape, investing in one is worth it if you plan on making these often. Pizzelles are perfect on their own, but you can also use the dough to make cannoli shells or ice cream cones. Try adding your own twist by incorporating flavors like anise, vanilla, or lemon zest.
Cinnamon Walnut Croissant Cookies
You can’t resist the temptation of these delicious Cinnamon Walnut Croissant Cookies. These little treats are also known as rugelach or Italian Butterhorn. The dough is made with sour cream, which makes them light and moist. Unlike traditional croissants, these cookies are easy to make. Once the dough is prepared, you can cut slices like a pizza and bake them to perfection. These cookies are dangerously tasty and perfect for any occasion.
Lemon Amaretti Cookies
If you’re a fan of soft and chewy cookies, you’ll love these lemon amaretti cookies. These almond-flavored cookies are made with a touch of lemon to give them a refreshing twist. Unlike traditional amaretti, these cookies are not meant to be hard and crunchy. Instead, they’re soft and chewy, making them perfect for a snack or dessert. Whip up a batch and enjoy them on the day of baking, or let them sit for a couple of days to harden slightly if you prefer a firmer texture.
Reginelle Cookies (Classic Italian Sesame Cookies)
If you’re a fan of sesame, you’ll love these classic Italian cookies. Reginelle cookies are lightly sweet and have a lovely nuttiness that comes from the sesame seeds. The seeds are baked on top of the cookies, giving them a beautiful appearance. For a unique twist, try adding a teaspoon of black sesame seeds to the mix. The little pops of black will add an extra touch of visual interest to your cookies, making them perfect for sharing on social media.
Italian Spumoni Cookies
You can make these colorful Italian Spumoni Cookies with ease! Start with a simple enriched shortbread dough, which you’ll split into three and flavor with your choice of pistachios or pecans. These cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests with their unique colors and flavors. It’s no wonder why they are often compared to the classic rainbow cookie.
Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)
Pizzicati, also known as Italian Pinch Cookies, are small discs of cookie dough that are pinched together around a filling. The dough is enriched with eggs for extra richness, resulting in a delicious shortbread texture. Raspberry jam is a popular filling for these cookies, although Nutella can be used as well for a different flavor profile.
Italian Spritz Cookies
If you’re looking for a quick and easy cookie recipe, Italian Spritz Cookies are a great option. Using a cookie press, you can create a variety of shapes and designs with just one batch of dough. The dough needs to be soft enough to press, but firm enough to hold its shape in the oven. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, resulting in delicious, buttery cookies with a delicate texture. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your cookie-making skills!
Ricciarelli (Chewy Italian Almond Cookies)
To make these chewy Italian almond cookies, you’ll need almond flour and extract, which are abundant in Italy. The almond flavor is balanced with a hint of orange to prevent it from being too strong. Ricciarelli cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves almonds and wants to experience a traditional Italian treat. Here are some key points about the cookies:
- Made with almond flour and extract
- Balanced with a hint of orange
- Chewy texture
- Traditional Italian treat
Tetù (Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies)
Looking for a warm and spicy treat that doesn’t include anise? Try Tetù, a chocolatey cookie with hints of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest. Fragrant and delicious, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Summary
You have learned about the delicious world of Italian cookie recipes. From classic biscotti to colorful amaretti, there are many options to choose from.
These cookies are known for their unique textures and flavors, often incorporating almonds, citrus, and chocolate.
With a little practice, you can easily make these sweet treats in your own kitchen. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the taste of Italy in every bite.