23 Best Italian Cookie Recipes to Try

Discover the secrets of these delicious delights and transport yourself to the quaint streets of Italy with our carefully picked list of the “Best Italian Cookie Recipes to Try.”

Treat your taste buds to a symphony of sweetness. Take a culinary adventure that honors the beauty of Italian baking, from the timeless elegance of biscotti to the seductive charm of amaretti.

Our carefully chosen recipes aim to improve your baking skills, regardless of your level of experience, whether you are an experienced pastry lover or a kitchen newbie.

Come indulge in the deep flavors, age-old customs, and hint of romance that make Italian cookies a sensory experience to remember. Prepare to let your inner pastry chef from Italy go and bring moments of sheer joy to every bite.

Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian Wedding Cookies have a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The finely ground almonds add a light nuttiness, perfectly balanced by the buttery dough. Coated in powdered sugar, they offer just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Baked to a soft golden color, these cookies have a gentle crunch that quickly gives way to a smooth, buttery finish. The almond flavor lingers, making each bite more satisfying. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

Italian Sprinkle Cookies

Italian Sprinkle Cookies bring a delightful crunch with every bite, thanks to their firm yet tender texture. The almond flavor shines through, offering a warm, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the light, buttery dough. Each cookie is topped with a generous layer of colorful sprinkles, adding a playful touch to their simple elegance.

Baked to a soft golden hue, these cookies have a satisfying crumble that melts smoothly on the tongue. The sweetness is well-balanced, with a hint of vanilla enhancing the almond notes. They’re perfect alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

Italian Butter Cookies

Italian Butter Cookies are rich, tender, and full of buttery goodness. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes each bite smooth and satisfying. The buttery flavor is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a cookie that feels both simple and indulgent.

Piped into elegant swirls, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Some are dipped in chocolate for an extra layer of richness, while others are sandwiched with jam, adding a hint of fruity sweetness. Their delicate crumb makes them ideal for pairing with tea or coffee.

Classic Italian Pizzelle Cookies

Classic Italian Pizzelle Cookies are light, crisp, and delicately sweet. Their thin, waffle-like texture provides a satisfying crunch, making them a delightful treat. The hint of anise adds a subtle black licorice flavor, creating a perfect contrast to the cookie’s mild sweetness. Each bite offers a balance of warmth and crispness that lingers pleasantly.

These cookies are pressed into intricate patterns, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty. The golden-brown exterior holds its delicate structure while maintaining an airy bite. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Italian S Cookies

Italian S Cookies are light, slightly crisp, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. Made with oil instead of butter, they have a tender texture with a subtle richness that makes them easy to enjoy. Their simple flavor, often enhanced with a touch of vanilla or lemon zest, pairs well with coffee or tea.

Shaped by hand into their signature “S” form, these cookies have a golden-brown exterior with a soft interior that melts with each bite. Their mild sweetness makes them a great everyday treat, satisfying without being overwhelming.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian Rainbow Cookies are a delightful combination of flavor and color. These almond-flavored cake layers are soft, moist, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. A thin spread of jam between each layer adds a touch of fruitiness, enhancing the delicate almond taste. The final coating of chocolate creates a smooth, rich contrast to the light and airy cake.

Each layer is carefully tinted to reflect the colors of the Italian flag, making them as visually striking as they are delicious. The chocolate topping provides a slight snap, complementing the tender cake beneath it. Every bite offers a mix of textures and flavors.

Italian Cookies (Baci di Dama)

Baci di Dama are delicate, buttery hazelnut cookies with a rich chocolate filling. Their name, meaning “lady’s kisses,” perfectly describes their small, round shape and the way the two halves gently press together with a smooth layer of dark chocolate. The hazelnuts add a deep, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate’s slight bitterness, creating a balanced sweetness.

Each bite offers a delightful contrast—crisp yet tender cookies giving way to a silky chocolate center. The hazelnuts provide a subtle crunch, enhancing the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their small size makes them an irresistible treat that’s hard to stop at just one.

Italian Pistachio Cookies

Italian Pistachio Cookies are a simple yet flavorful treat that highlights the natural taste of pistachios. The finely ground nuts create a soft, chewy texture with a delicate crunch on the edges. Without overpowering spices or citrus, the mild nuttiness stands out, making each bite smooth and satisfying.

Lightly sweetened, these cookies let the pistachios take center stage, offering a rich, buttery flavor with an earthy undertone. Their soft interior contrasts with a slightly crisp outer layer, creating a balanced texture. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

Reginelle (Italian Sesame Cookies)

Reginelle, or Italian Sesame Cookies, offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. Their lightly sweet dough is coated in a generous layer of toasted sesame seeds, adding a subtle nuttiness that enhances their delicate flavor. The combination of crisp texture and mild sweetness makes them a perfect treat for any time of day.

Baked to a golden brown, these cookies have a slightly firm exterior while remaining tender inside. The sesame seeds provide a pleasant contrast, creating a rich, roasted aroma that pairs well with the simple dough. They’re ideal alongside coffee, tea, or even a glass of wine.

Italian Fig Cookies

Italian Fig Cookies, or Cucidati, are a festive treat with a rich, spiced filling wrapped in soft, buttery dough. The combination of figs, dates, and almonds creates a naturally sweet and slightly chewy center, while a touch of orange juice and rum adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Each bite offers a perfect balance of softness and crunch.

As they bake, these cookies fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma of citrus and spices, making them a holiday favorite. The flaky dough provides a delicate contrast to the thick, flavorful filling, creating a satisfying texture.

Italian Crescent Cookies

Italian Crescent Cookies are a delicate, buttery treat with a light, crisp texture. Made with simple ingredients, they have a subtle sweetness that pairs well with their rich, nutty flavor. Their tender bite makes them melt effortlessly in your mouth, while the generous dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Shaped like little moons, these cookies are both elegant and inviting. Their crumbly texture comes from finely ground nuts, typically almonds or walnuts, which give them a soft, rich depth of flavor. The balance of crisp edges and a delicate center makes them truly satisfying.

Cantucci (Italian Almond Cookies)

Cantucci, also known as Italian almond cookies, are crisp, twice-baked treats with a hint of citrus and a satisfying crunch. The combination of toasted almonds and orange zest creates a balanced flavor—nutty, slightly sweet, and bright. Their firm texture makes them ideal for dunking into coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine.

Baking them twice gives them their signature crispness. The first bake sets the dough, while the second ensures a golden, crunchy finish. The almonds add a rich depth, making each bite flavorful and textured. Despite their firmness, they crumble pleasantly when bitten.

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, delicate treats with a light, cake-like texture. The ricotta adds a subtle richness, making each bite moist and tender without being too heavy. A simple vanilla or citrus glaze enhances their sweetness, while a sprinkle of colorful decorations gives them a festive touch.

Their pillowy softness sets them apart from traditional crunchy cookies. The dough is easy to work with, and the baked cookies have a smooth, slightly domed appearance. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, creating a perfect contrast to the mild, buttery flavor of the cookie.

Amaretti Cookies

Amaretti cookies are a delightful treat with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center. Made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, they have an intense almond flavor that is both rich and slightly sweet. Their light, airy texture makes them a pleasure to eat, with each bite offering a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness.

The simplicity of their ingredients allows the almond flavor to shine. A dusting of powdered sugar before baking gives them a delicate, crackled finish, adding to their charm. Some variations include a hint of citrus zest or almond liqueur for extra depth.

Italian Pignoli Cookies

Italian Pignoli Cookies are delicate, chewy treats with a crisp, golden exterior. Made with almond paste, sugar, egg whites, and pine nuts, they have a rich, nutty flavor that stands out. The slightly sweet, soft center contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pine nuts, making each bite satisfying and unique.

The pine nuts not only add texture but also enhance the cookie’s buttery, toasted flavor. Their natural oils blend with the almond base, creating a depth of taste that lingers. Lightly golden after baking, they have a rustic yet elegant appearance, perfect for any occasion.

Italian Lemon Drop Cookies

Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, or Anginetti, are soft, pillowy treats bursting with citrus flavor. The dough has a light texture, with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bright, zesty taste of lemon. Once baked, the cookies develop a delicate golden exterior while remaining tender inside, making them a delightful bite-sized indulgence.

The glaze is where the lemon flavor truly shines. A simple mixture of powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice creates a smooth, glossy coating that adds a tangy sweetness. Topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies bring a festive touch to any dessert table.

Chocolate Dipped Italian Biscotti Cookies

Chocolate-Dipped Italian Biscotti Cookies offer the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. These twice-baked treats have a crisp texture that makes them ideal for dipping into coffee or tea. The combination of nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, adds a rich, toasty depth, while dried cranberries provide a subtle chewiness and a hint of tartness.

Dipping them in chocolate takes them to another level. The smooth, velvety coating enhances the crispness of the biscotti, creating a satisfying contrast with each bite. For extra indulgence, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on the melted chocolate adds both texture and visual appeal.

Italian Toto Cookies

Italian Toto Cookies may look like simple chocolate treats, but their rich flavor profile sets them apart. The dough is infused with warm spices like cinnamon and clove, creating a deep, aromatic taste. Chopped walnuts and chocolate chips add texture, while sweet cherries provide a pleasant contrast, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors.

The frosting is what truly makes these cookies special. A smooth chocolate glaze with a hint of orange enhances the spiced dough, adding a slight citrusy brightness to balance the richness. The glossy finish also gives them a beautiful, bakery-style appearance.

Italian Spumoni Cookies

Italian Spumoni Cookies bring a delightful mix of flavors and colors to any dessert spread. Inspired by the classic spumoni ice cream, these cookies are made with three distinct layers. The chocolate layer offers deep richness, the green layer highlights the nutty goodness of pistachios, and the pink layer provides a hint of cherry or rum. Each bite delivers a balanced blend of sweetness and texture.

Beyond their flavor, these cookies are visually appealing. Their tri-colored design makes them stand out, especially during festive occasions. The contrast between the layers creates an elegant, bakery-style appearance that’s perfect for celebrations.

Ricciarelli Italian Almond Cookies

Ricciarelli Italian Almond Cookies offer a delightful balance of chewy and crisp textures. Made with almond flour, these cookies have a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The addition of aquafaba creates a soft, airy interior while keeping them entirely plant-based.

The contrast between the delicate, chewy center and the thin, crisp almond coating makes each bite satisfying. Their slightly cracked surface gives them a rustic charm, reminiscent of traditional Italian pastries found in Tuscan bakeries.

Anise Cookies (Italian Anisette)

Anise cookies, or Italian Anisette cookies, have a light, slightly crisp texture with a tender crumb. The distinct flavor of anise gives them a subtle licorice-like taste that pairs beautifully with a delicate sugar glaze. For those who enjoy bold flavors, the herbal notes of anise add a unique touch to these classic Italian treats.

For those who prefer a milder version, lemon extract makes an excellent alternative, adding a bright citrusy twist. Either way, these cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for festive gatherings. The glaze enhances their sweetness while keeping them light enough to enjoy anytime.

Ciambelle Cookies

Ciambelle cookies are delightful ring-shaped treats with a crisp exterior and a tender, crumbly bite. The combination of lemon juice and zest gives them a refreshing citrus flavor, making them a standout among richer, chocolatey desserts. The light glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness while enhancing their delicate lemony taste.

Their texture is perfect for dipping in coffee or tea, as they hold their shape yet melt softly in your mouth. The sprinkles on top add a festive touch, making them a fun addition to any holiday or celebration. These cookies bring a bright, zesty balance to a dessert spread.

Pizzicati Italian Pinch Cookies

Pizzicati, or Italian pinch cookies, are delicate butter cookies with a sweet filling tucked inside. Their signature shape comes from folding and pinching the dough, creating an elegant envelope-like design. They bake up golden and crisp, with a tender bite that melts in your mouth.

These cookies are incredibly versatile—you can fill them with jam, chocolate, or even nut spreads to suit any taste. Making a batch with different fillings adds variety to a cookie tray.