20 Italian Cookie Recipes You’ll Always Adore
Italian cookies are the sweet spot where tradition meets everyday delight. From crisp pizzelle to tender ricotta drops, there is a tray for every season, mood, and coffee break. You will find classics you grew up with and a few modern twists that still feel like home. Get ready to dust with sugar, dunk with style, and bake something unforgettable.
1. Italian Wedding Cookies
Delicate, buttery, and snow-kissed, these Italian wedding cookies practically melt as soon as they meet your tongue. You will taste toasty nuts, a whisper of vanilla, and that cloud of powdered sugar that makes them feel instantly festive. Bake a batch, cool completely, then roll twice for the dreamiest finish.
They are a must on holiday trays but lovely with afternoon coffee any day. Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds based on what you have. Store in tins to keep their tender crumb perfect.
2. Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti bring bold almond flavor in two personalities: crisp and airy or chewy and dense. You get that bittersweet almond perfume that feels elegant without trying. A quick whisk, almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and a little almond extract will take you far.
Roll in sugar for those signature crackly tops. You can pipe small domes for a chic finish or hand-roll for rustic charm. Pair with sweet dessert wine, or sandwich two with a dab of jam for instant magic.
3. Pizzelle
Pizzelle are whisper-thin waffle cookies with delicate patterns that look like lace. The batter is simple, the flavor is pure comfort, and the texture is delightfully crisp. Choose anise for old-school charm or vanilla for a gentle, crowd-pleasing vibe.
You will need a pizzelle iron, then it is press, count, and lift. Cool them flat or shape into cones while warm. They pair beautifully with coffee, gelato, or a dusting of sugar that feels like fresh snow.
4. Biscotti (Classic Almond)
Classic almond biscotti bring that satisfying crunch made for dunking in espresso. Twice-baked for strength and flavor, they slice into tidy arcs with golden edges and nut-studded centers. The aroma of toasted almonds drifts through the kitchen as they crisp up.
Splash in almond extract and a hint of citrus zest for balance. Slice on the diagonal for café vibes. Store in jars, and they will keep for weeks, ready whenever your coffee calls.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti
Take that classic biscotti snap and give it a chocolate glow-up. After the second bake, dip the ends in melted dark chocolate and add pistachios or hazelnuts for texture. The contrast between crisp cookie and silky coating feels indulgent yet still coffee-friendly.
Use good chocolate that sets snappy. A pinch of flaky salt makes flavors pop. These travel well, gift beautifully, and always disappear faster than expected.
6. Anise Cookies
Anise cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and unmistakably aromatic. That licorice-like note is cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for holidays or Sunday coffee. A simple dough bakes into pillowy rounds, then a quick glaze locks in tenderness.
If you love anise, you will love these forever. If you are unsure, try half with vanilla and half with anise to compare. Colorful sprinkles make them cheerful, and they store well for sharing later.
7. Italian Butter Cookies (Bakery Style)
These swirly, tender butter cookies taste like the best Italian bakery memories. The dough pipes beautifully through a star tip, holding crisp edges after baking. Some get jam centers, others meet chocolate and rainbow sprinkles.
Use real butter and a touch of salt for balance. Chill the trays briefly to keep defined ridges. Arrange them in paper cups on a platter, and you have instant celebration energy.
8. Ricotta Cookies
Ricotta cookies are soft and cakey with a gentle sweetness that invites a second bite. The ricotta keeps them moist for days, while a simple glaze adds shine. They feel like holiday traditions but work any time you want something comforting.
Add vanilla or almond extract and a hint of citrus zest. The dough is sticky, so scoop rather than roll. A cozy tray like this makes friends quickly at any gathering.
9. Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Take classic ricotta cookies and give them sunny lemon brightness. The zest perfumes the dough, and a tangy glaze keeps every bite lively. These are the cookies that never feel heavy, even after a big dinner.
Use fresh zest and juice for real sparkle. A pinch of salt sharpens the citrus. They store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead trays and weeklong snacking.
10. Fig Cookies (Cuccidati)
Cuccidati are Sicilian fig cookies with a fragrant, jammy center. The filling blends figs, citrus peel, warm spices, and nuts for a holiday-worthy bite. Wrapped in tender pastry and often glazed with cheerful sprinkles, they feel like family stories baked into dessert.
Make the filling ahead so flavors mingle. Shape into logs, bake, then slice to show those gorgeous swirls. A tray of these signals celebration and care.
11. Struffoli (Honey Balls)
Struffoli are tiny fried dough balls tossed in warm honey until glossy. Citrus zest and sprinkles add sparkle, and the texture is crisp outside with a tender center. They are messy, wildly festive, and impossible to stop picking at.
Fry in small batches for even color. Pile high in a ring or mound and let the honey set slightly. Eat with fingers and plenty of napkins, preferably while laughing.
12. Taralli Dolci (Sweet Taralli)
Sweet taralli are simple rings with gentle sweetness and a soft bite. Often glazed with lemon, they are perfect for dipping or nibbling plain. The dough is easy to handle, shaped into ropes, and looped into neat little halos.
They are humble, comforting, and endlessly snackable. Add anise or vanilla depending on mood. A pretty stack by the coffee pot always disappears.
13. Zeppole (Sweet Fritter Style)
Zeppole lean more fritter than cookie, but they show up on the same dessert platters. Light, airy, and dusted in sugar, they are best eaten warm. The dough puffs in hot oil, creating tender centers and golden edges.
Shake the bag with sugar while they are hot. Serve immediately with napkins and smiles. A drizzle of honey or cinnamon sugar takes them over the top.
14. Cannoli Cookies
Cannoli cookies capture the essence of the famous pastry without frying. Think vanilla-almond dough, citrus zest, and mini chocolate chips echoing the filling. Sometimes a ricotta glaze or pistachio sprinkle completes the theme.
They are playful, familiar, and great for parties. Use orange zest generously for that bakery aroma. A light dusting of powdered sugar brings the cannoli feel home.
15. Chocolate Spice Cookies (Mostaccioli Style)
These mostaccioli-style cookies deliver deep cocoa with warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and a hint of orange. The texture is soft-chewy inside with a light crust outside. A simple chocolate glaze makes them gleam on the holiday tray.
They taste even better the next day as flavors bloom. Keep the spice balanced so chocolate stays center stage. Pair with espresso, and let the aroma fill the room.
16. Pine Nut Cookies (Pignoli)
Pignoli are luxurious almond paste cookies cloaked in pine nuts. Chewy inside, lightly crisp outside, they feel special with every bite. The ingredient list is short, so quality matters: almond paste, sugar, egg whites, and plenty of pignoli.
Roll generously so nuts coat every surface. Bake until just golden for that tender chew. They are rich, naturally gluten free, and worth every pine nut.
17. Almond Paste Cookies
Soft, chewy, and fragrant, almond paste cookies are the cousins you invite when you want guaranteed crowd-pleasers. The dough mixes up quickly and bakes into mounded beauties with crackled tops. Crown with candied cherries or sliced almonds for a classic finish.
They keep well and taste even better on day two. A tiny pinch of salt amplifies the almond. Pair with sweet wine or coffee and enjoy the simplicity.
18. Citrus S Cookies
These S-shaped cookies are simple, nostalgic, and lightly citrusy. The dough rolls into ropes that curl into signature letters kids love to help shape. A thin glaze keeps them soft and adds gentle shine.
Use lemon, orange, or both for aroma that feels like sunshine. They are perfect for coffee breaks and school lunches alike. Stack them in tins, and they travel beautifully.
19. Nutella-Stuffed Italian Butter Cookies
Classic bakery butter cookies meet a modern twist with creamy Nutella tucked inside. The swirled shells stay tender but hold their shape for neat sandwiches. A quick chill keeps the ridges sharp and the filling perfectly set.
Dip edges in chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch. They look fancy with very little effort, and kids adore them. Expect these to vanish first from any dessert tray.
20. Espresso Cookies
Espresso cookies are unapologetically coffee-forward with a rich aroma that wakes up the kitchen. A touch of cocoa deepens the flavor while keeping sweetness balanced. They bake into crisp-edged, soft-centered bites that practically demand a latte companion.
Use instant espresso powder for a strong, clean coffee note. A chocolate drizzle or white chocolate dip adds contrast. These are the cookies for late nights and focused mornings alike.
