Are you ready to add some Italian flair to your holiday baking? Look no further than these delightful Italian Christmas cookies! Bursting with traditional flavors and festive decorations, these cookies are a must-have for the holiday season.
From the rich and buttery to the sweet and nutty, there's a cookie recipe for every taste bud. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in the best Italian Christmas cookies that will bring joy to your holiday table. Let's dive right in!
1. Italian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert tray. These buttery, flavorful bites are covered in an irresistible glaze and are made with just a few simple ingredients.
They have a tender, cake-like texture that is hard to resist. Whether you choose to add anise flavoring or not, these cookies are a delicious treat that will be enjoyed by all.
2. Christmas Italian Cookies
The Christmas Italian Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies have a mild almond flavor and are coated with a sweet icing.
Topped with festive red and green sprinkles, they add a beautiful touch to your Christmas table. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these Italian cookies are a classic treat that everyone will enjoy.
3. Italian Ricotta Cookies
Italian Ricotta Cookies are a must-try for the holiday season. These soft, moist cookies are bursting with flavor and have a delightful tanginess from the ricotta.
Topped with a zesty lemon glaze and festive sprinkles, they are a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
4. Nonna Lucia's Italian Christmas Cookies
Nonna Lucia's Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These buttery, caky cookies have a subtle anise flavor that melts in your mouth. The glaze and colorful nonpareil sprinkles add an elegant and festive touch, making them a perfect addition to any cookie tray or holiday gathering.
This recipe holds sentimental value as it was passed down from Nonna Lucia herself, making these cookies even more special. Overall, Nonna Lucia's Italian Christmas Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in traditional Italian holiday flavors.
5. Italian Christmas Cookie
The Italian Christmas Cookie is a delightful treat that embodies the essence of the holiday season. These soft and cake-like cookies are covered in a sweet glaze and adorned with colorful sprinkles, adding a touch of crunch and festive cheer. With a subtle almond flavor, these cookies are reminiscent of a fresh sugar cookie, making them a delightful addition to any Christmas platter or neighbor gift.
While traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round with different variations of extracts and sprinkles. Simple to make and requiring basic ingredients, the Italian Christmas Cookie is a must-try for cookie lovers looking to add a touch of Italian tradition to their holiday celebrations.
6. Easy Italian Christmas Cookies
Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Made with butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and almond extract, these cookies are simple to make and taste delicious. They can be easily customized with various shapes and decorations, making them a festive treat.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or participating in a cookie exchange, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Get ready to impress your guests with these easy and scrumptious Italian Christmas cookies.
7. Italian Chocolate Cookies
Italian Chocolate Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray. These traditional Italian treats are made with a combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, spices, walnuts, and mini chocolate chips. The dough is easy to handle and rolls out smoothly. The cookies should be soft and moist, so it's important not to over-bake them.
The icing, made with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk, adds a sweet finishing touch. Decorate with colored sprinkles for a festive look. These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for longer preservation. Overall, Italian Chocolate Cookies are a delicious and easy recipe that will impress your family and friends during the holiday season.
8. Ricciarelli
Ricciarelli is a classic Italian Christmas cookie originating from Siena, Tuscany. These almond cookies have a chewy but light center and a perfectly toasty crust of thinly sliced almonds. They are reminiscent of macaroons but with a unique texture. These melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
The recipe uses aquafaba instead of egg whites, giving the cookies a divine and light center with the perfect chewiness. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a whimsical wintery touch. Overall, Ricciarelli is an easy and delicious cookie to enjoy during the holiday season.
9. Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli Cookies are a traditional Italian treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are made with almond paste, powdered sugar, egg whites, and honey, giving them a delightful chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. Topped with pine nuts, they have a crunchy exterior that adds a nice contrast.
While they can be a bit pricey to make due to the cost of almond paste and pine nuts, they are well worth it for a special Christmas treat. These gluten-free and dairy-free cookies are a crowd-pleaser and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or espresso.
10. Italian Cookies
Italian Cookies are soft, cake-like treats topped with a creamy glaze and colorful sprinkles. Made with eggs, oil, sugar, and your choice of extract, these cookies have a delightful flavor. The dough is rolled into balls and chilled before baking to ensure they keep their round shape.
The glaze, made with powdered sugar, salt, extract, and warmed milk or cream, adds a sweet finish. These cookies are perfect for Christmas or any celebration, and can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature. Overall, Italian Cookies are a tasty and festive addition to any holiday tray.
11. Italian Butter Cookies
Italian Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie tray. These soft and buttery treats are quick and easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder.
The cookies can be flavored with lemon zest or vanilla powder for an extra burst of flavor. They can be decorated with candied cherries, sugar sprinkles, almonds, or even chocolate kisses. Whether enjoyed on their own or as sandwich cookies with a filling of jam, chocolate, or Nutella, Italian Butter Cookies are sure to be a hit during the holiday season.
12. Italian Christmas Cookies / Pasta Frolla
Italian Christmas Cookies / Pasta Frolla is a classic and popular Italian cookie recipe that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a buttery and crunchy crostata dough, these cookies are a delightful treat for any cookie lover.
The dough is versatile and can also be used as a base for pies and tarts. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite on your Christmas cookie list.
13. Italian Christmas Cookies with Figs & Walnuts
The Italian Christmas Cookies with Figs & Walnuts are a delightful treat filled with a combination of figs, walnuts, raisins, and other delicious ingredients. These cookies originate from Sicily and are traditionally made during various holidays, but are especially popular during Christmas.
The recipe is easy to follow, with a buttery dough and a flavorful filling made with cinnamon, honey, and rum-infused figs. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch to these cookies. Whether you're looking for a new holiday dessert or a tasty snack for any occasion, these Italian Christmas Cookies are highly recommended.
14. Italian Rainbow Cookies
Italian Rainbow Cookies, also known as Neapolitans or Venetians, are a classic Italian dessert that will add a vibrant touch to your Christmas holiday platters.
These cake-like cookies feature colorful layers of almond cookies with raspberry jam, all topped with a layer of melted chocolate. With their red, white, and green colors representing the Italian flag, these cookies are a festive and delicious addition to any holiday celebration.
15. Nonna's Italian Christmas Cookies
Nonna's Italian Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray. These soft and cake-like cookies are made with anise extract, giving them a subtle and unique flavor. They are not overly sweet, making them a perfect treat for those who prefer a more balanced sweetness. The cookies are topped with a delicious icing and vibrant rainbow sprinkles, adding a festive touch.
With simple pantry ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and can be enjoyed all year round. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, different from the usual crunchy Italian cookies. Overall, Nonna's Italian Christmas Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking for a traditional and delicious Italian cookie recipe.
16. Anginetti Cookies
Anginetti Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie tray. These Italian treats have a soft, cake-like texture and are topped with a delicious glaze. Made with simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare and have a delightful citrusy aroma.
Whether shaped into knots or round balls, these cookies are a popular choice during the holiday season. Sprinkled with powdered sugar or dipped in glaze, they make for a festive and delicious treat.
17. Holy Cannoli Cookies
Holy Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian pastry. These one-bowl cookies are made with ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and pistachios, resulting in a soft and cake-like texture.
While they may not taste exactly like a cannoli, they are packed with delicious flavors. Perfect for Christmas cookie baskets and gifts, these cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Italian flair to their holiday baking.
18. Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies are a festive twist on the classic Italian Sprinkle Cookies. The recipe remains the same, but the sprinkles are changed to red, green, and white, giving it a Christmas vibe. These cookies are soft, sweet, and delicious. They are dipped in a sweet glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles.
The recipe makes a large batch of 84 cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. The cookies are easy to make, but making seven dozen does take some time. Overall, these Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
19. Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie tray. These spicy balls are made with walnuts, mini chocolate chips, cocoa, and orange flavoring, giving them a unique and delicious taste.
Topped with a chocolate orange glaze and rainbow sprinkles, these cookies are not overly sweet but still satisfy your sweet tooth. They are easy to make and perfect for any special occasion.
20. Cucidati
Cucidati are a rustic Italian Christmas cookie that combines the flavors of figs, dates, citrus, spice, and a hint of brandy. These cookies have a tender dough and a moist filling that holds its shape while baking.
The icing on top adds a touch of sweetness and helps the rainbow nonpareils stick. Cucidati are like an upscale version of Fig Newtons, with a perfect balance of sweetness and sophistication. These cookies are a delightful holiday treat that is enjoyable for all.
21. Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies
Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies are a delightful and crunchy Italian Christmas cookie. These buttery treats can be filled with your favorite jam or even Nutella, making them a versatile and delicious snack or dessert option.
They are traditionally sold in bakeries and known by various names such as Pinch Cookies, Bow Tie Cookies, or Envelope Cookies. With their simple yet irresistible flavor, Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover during the holiday season.
22. Anise Cookies
Anise Cookies, also known as Italian Anisette Cookies, are a classic holiday dessert that is loved by many. These cookies have a delightful licorice flavor, thanks to the anise extract used in the recipe. However, if you're not a fan of licorice, you can easily substitute it with lemon or vanilla extract.
The cookies are soft and tender, with a slightly crispy bottom. They are topped with a thick glaze and sprinkles, adding a festive touch. This recipe makes a large batch of cookies, making them perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings. Overall, Anise Cookies are a crowd-pleasing treat that will surely be enjoyed by all.
23. Italian Pizzelle
Italian Pizzelle is a classic Italian cookie that is a must-have during the Christmas season. This recipe captures the authentic flavors of pizzelle with the use of anise extract and anise seeds, giving it a delightful hint of licorice. The cookies are thin and crispy, resembling wafers, and can be shaped into various forms while still hot.
Whether you choose to enjoy them flat or shaped into bowls, these pizzelle are perfect for filling with ice cream or serving alongside a cup of hot cocoa. For those who are not fans of anise, there are also variations available, such as vanilla, lemon, chocolate, and more. Overall, Italian Pizzelle is a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter, offering a taste of tradition and versatility.
24. Italian Love Knot Cookies
Italian Love Knot Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of Italian Christmas baking. These tender, cakey cookies are traditionally made for special occasions like holidays and weddings. The dough is mildly sweet and soft, giving the cookies a cake-like texture.
They are then glazed with a flavored icing and decorated with colorful nonpareils or sprinkles. The unique knot shape adds a touch of elegance to these festive cookies. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared with loved ones, Italian Love Knot Cookies are a must-have for the holiday season.
25. Cuccidati
Cuccidati are heavenly Italian fig cookies with a sweet, sticky, and nutty center, encased in a delicate shortbread cookie. The combination of figs, dates, walnuts, orange zest, and Marsala wine creates a luxurious and zesty filling.
The cookies are topped with a simple glaze and decorated with nonpareils. These cuccidati are a must-try for anyone who loves Italian desserts and wants to indulge in the flavors of Christmas.
26. Cucidate
Cucidate is a traditional Italian Christmas cookie from Sicily. These small fig cookies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits soaked in liquor, nuts, cinnamon, and honey, all wrapped in a delicate pastry. They are often given as gifts during the holiday season and are a true representation of Sicilian culture.
The recipe includes a sweet fig filling and a pastry made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk. The cookies are topped with a glaze made of confectioner's sugar, water, and orange juice, and finished with colorful sprinkles. Cucidate is a delightful treat that captures the flavors and aromas of Christmas.
