Italian cuisine is globally celebrated for its flavorsome dishes, and when it comes to desserts, Italian cookies hold a special place in the hearts of sweet connoisseurs. Italians have an array of cookies, each with its own unique taste and history. These delightful treats often come to mind during festive seasons, but they’re perfect for any occasion. From the crunchy to the chewy, tangy to the sweet, here’s a comprehensive look at the top 10 Italian cookies.
#10 Pizzelle
Starting our list is the Pizzelle, a traditional Italian waffle cookie that hails from Abruzzo. Pizzelle means “small, flat, and round” in Italian. This cookie is known for its distinctive snowflake or floral pattern, which is created by a special pizzelle iron, similar to a waffle maker. Made with a batter consisting of flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, the cookie’s flavor is enhanced with vanilla or anise. Delicate and aromatic, Pizzelle can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar, and can even be shaped into cones while still warm and filled with sweetened ricotta or ice cream.
#9 Taralli Dolci
Next up are Taralli Dolci, sweet biscuits originating from the Southern regions of Italy. Often mistaken for a savory snack due to their appearance that resembles a bread dough loop, these sweet versions are made with sugar, white wine, olive oil, and flavored with anise or lemon zest. They are crisp on the outside with a slightly softer inside and are perfect with a mid-morning espresso or as an after-dinner treat with a glass of dessert wine.
#8 Baci di Dama
Translating to “Lady’s Kisses,” Baci di Dama are delightful hazelnut cookies hailing from the Piedmont region, famous for its hazelnuts. These cookies are formed from two hazelnut-flavored buttery rounds that are sandwiched together with a rich chocolate ganache. Elegant and indulgent, Baci di Dama are as delicious as they are romantic, evoking the sweet image of a kiss with their shape.
#7 Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli, not to be confused with the pasta shape of the same name, are traditional cookies from Southern Italy, especially popular during Christmas. These dense, diamond-shaped cookies are made with honey and flavored with a variety of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving them a warm and comforting taste. They can also contain cocoa or coffee and are commonly dipped in chocolate to enhance their richness.
#6 Amaretti
When almonds meet sugar, the result is the scrumptious Amaretti cookie. These beloved, almond-flavored meringue cookies are light, airy, and often slightly chewy in the center. Originating from Lombardy, there are two main varieties of Amaretti: the soft version, Amaretti morbidi, and the crunchy version. These cookies are a staple in Italian households and pair wonderfully with sweet dessert wines, coffee, or Amaretto liquor, the latter of which shares the cookie’s almond essence.
#5 Ricciarelli
Hailing from the region of Tuscany, Ricciarelli are chewy almond cookies with a crisp exterior and a soft, marzipan-like center. Made from almond paste, sugar, egg whites, and flavored with orange zest, these cookies are often dusted with powdered sugar and have an elegant oval shape. They are typically enjoyed during Christmas time but would make a great treat year-round.
#4 Cantucci (Biscotti di Prato)
Cantucci, also known globally as Biscotti, are one of Italy’s most famous cookie exports. Originating from the city of Prato in Tuscany, these twice-baked, oblong-shaped cookies are characterized by their dry, crunchy texture that’s perfect for dipping. Traditionally flavored with almond and vanilla, they’re often enjoyed dipped into sweet Vin Santo wine, although coffee and tea make excellent partners as well.
#3 Pignoli
Pignoli cookies are a classic Italian treat, particularly favored in Sicily, combining the rich flavors of almond paste with the crunch of pine nuts. These soft and chewy cookies are made by topping spoonfuls of sugar-sweetened almond paste with whole pine nuts before baking. Enjoying Pignoli is a luxurious experience, as they are both decadent and slightly nutty in flavor.
#2 Sfogliatelle
Sfogliatelle, recognizable by their flaky, layered texture, are one of the most intricate Italian cookies. Shaped like a shell or a lobster tail and originating from the Campania region, they feature thin layers of dough wrapped around a filling of ricotta cheese and often have hints of citrus or vanilla. Sfogliatelle are best enjoyed warm when the layers are wonderfully crisp, and the filling is deliciously soft.
#1 Tiramisu Cookies
Tiramisu Cookies top our list by bringing all the flavors of the iconic Italian dessert, Tiramisu, into a single bite-sized treat. Combining espresso-dipped cookies with a mascarpone cheese mixture, they are layered just like the dessert and often sprinkled with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. These cookies capture the essence of Tiramisu – creamy, coffee-infused, chocolate-dusted – and are a favorite for both their flavor and the novelty of enjoying Tiramisu as a cookie.
Italian cookies are varied and rich in flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying the crunch of a Pizzelle, the chewiness of an Amaretti, or the decadence of a Tiramisu cookie, each cookie provides a little taste of Italy’s sweet life. These cookies have solidified their places at Italian celebrations and in cookie jars around the world, offering a splendid treat for every palate and occasion. Each cookie is a piece of Italy’s culinary heritage, ready to be savored with a cup of coffee, glass of wine, or simply on its own to satisfy a sweet craving.