My grandmother on my father’s side was Italian, so I was lucky enough to grow up eating homemade lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, risotto, and of course, classic Italian baking. Every year around the holidays, my grandmother would make each family member a tin of assorted Italian Christmas cookies. My cousins and I have carried on the tradition, and are still making her recipes today. If you’re looking for some tried and true, festive, and delicious Italian Christmas cookie recipes to whip up this holiday season, look no further than this list!
1. Amaretti
source: Mangia Bedda
Amaretti (or Italian almond cookies) are slightly crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Delicious!
2. Chocolate Toto Cookies
source: All Our Way
Chocolate toto cookies are traditional Italian cookies with walnuts, mini, chocolate chips, cocoa, and a hint of orange.
3. Pizzelle
source: Cuisinart
I’m willing to bet that anyone who’s Italian reading this list has had their fair share of pizzelle cookies. This traditional waffle-style cookie is prettily patterned and oh so sweet.
4. Italian Thumbprint Cookies
source: Real Simple/Jennifer Causey / Shutterstock
Italian thumbprint cookies are essentially traditional shortbread topped with assorted flavors of jam. They’ve always been one of my favorites!
5. Cucidati
source: Saving Room for Dessert
Cucidati (or Italian fig cookies) involve stuffing a buttery dough with sweet fig filling, then drizzling a lemon glaze over top. Is anyone else’s mouth watering yet?
6. Italian Wedding Cookies
Don’t let the name of this recipe fool you! Italian wedding cookies are a sweet and delicious recipe to make during the holidays.
7. Italian Biscotti
source: My Nourished Home
Italian biscotti is a classic and crunchy Italian treat. Dunk it in coffee or tea, and it’s even better!
8. Tiramisu Cookies
source: A Spicy Perspective
If you like the soft, fluffy, coffee-infused flavors of traditional tiramisu, you’ll love tiramisu in cookie form!
9. Italian Ricotta Cookies
source: Walking on Sunshine Recipes
You may think it sounds odd to include ricotta cheese in a cookie recipe, but you won’t taste the ricotta at all. The ricotta simply adds a super soft, moist, and fluffy quality to the cookies!
10. Italian Lemon Drop Cookies
source: Food Network
If you like lemon-flavored treats, this recipe is for you! Italian lemon cookies are an extremely popular recipe around the holidays.
11. Baci di Dama
source: As Easy As Apple Pie
Baci di Dama (or Italian hazelnut cookies) involve sandwiching a dollop of chocolate between two hazelnut cookies. Delicious!
12. Italian Spumoni Cookies
source: Food Network
Italian spumoni cookies are essentially an elevated chocolate chip cookie. They’re soft, filled with yummy flavors, and the perfect treat for the holiday season!
Make your Christmas spread even more delightful by trying this fun Santa board idea — kids and adults will both love it! But as you plan your baking lineup, it’s just as helpful to know which recipes to skip. To save your time and ingredients for what truly counts, you might want to check out the surprising list of holiday cookies no one likes before finalizing your menu.
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