Cookies, especially Italian cookies, are a must-have treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee or a delicious dessert, I’ve got you covered.
This list of 30 Italian cookie recipes will take you on a delightful journey through the world of biscotti, amaretti, and so much more.
Each cookie is packed with unique flavors and textures, from the nutty crunch of Pignoli to the delicate sweetness of Florentines.
1. Biscotti di Prato
Biscotti di Prato are classic almond cookies that are twice-baked, making them perfectly crunchy.
You start by mixing flour, sugar, eggs, and whole almonds, then bake them into a loaf.
Once cooled, you slice them and bake them again.
These are perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or an after-dinner Vin Santo.
The crunchiness and almond flavor are irresistible.
2. Amaretti
Amaretti are deliciously chewy almond cookies that are made with almond flour, sugar, and egg whites.
They have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth.
I love making these because they’re gluten-free and have that perfect balance of sweetness and almond flavor.
They’re great for a cup of tea or as a gift for friends.
3. Pizzelle
Pizzelle are thin, crisp waffle cookies that are flavored with anise or vanilla.
You need a special pizzelle iron to make these, but it’s worth it.
The batter is simple: eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and your choice of flavoring.
Then, you press them in the iron until they’re golden.
4. Ricciarelli
Ricciarelli are soft almond cookies from Siena that are typically made during Christmas.
It is made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites.
Plus they have a distinctive crackled top and are dusted with powdered sugar.
I first tried these during a trip to Tuscany, and they’ve been a holiday staple ever since.
5. Cantucci
Cantucci, also known as Tuscan biscotti, is similar to Biscotti di Prato but usually includes almonds and sometimes pine nuts.
They are twice-baked for that perfect crunch.
These cookies are great for dipping in coffee or sweet wine.
The addition of pine nuts gives them a unique flavor that you won’t find in regular biscotti.
6. Brutti ma Buoni
Brutti ma Buoni, which means “ugly but good,” are crunchy, nutty cookies that are made with hazelnuts and almonds.
Despite their rough appearance, these cookies are incredibly delicious.
The combination of hazelnuts and almonds gives them a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
These are perfect for a snack or dessert.
7. Biscotti Regina
Biscotti Regina, or Queen’s Biscuits, are sesame seed cookies that are slightly sweet and wonderfully crunchy.
They are made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, the dough is rolled in sesame seeds before baking.
I love these cookies for their unique flavor and texture.
8. Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli are spiced, chocolate-dipped cookies that are traditionally made for holidays and special occasions.
The dough is flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa, then shaped into diamonds and baked.
After baking, you dip them in chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
These cookies are a festive treat that everyone loves.
9. Baci di Dama
Baci di Dama, or “lady’s kisses,” are delicate hazelnut cookies that are sandwiched together with chocolate.
They are made with ground hazelnuts, flour, butter, and sugar, these bite-sized cookies are rich and nutty.
The chocolate filling adds a perfect touch of sweetness.
These cookies are a hit at parties and make lovely gifts.
10. Biscotti al Limone
Biscotti al Limone are lemon-flavored biscotti that are light and refreshing.
The dough is infused with lemon zest and juice, giving them a bright, citrusy flavor.
After the first bake, you slice and bake them again for that perfect crunch.
These are perfect for a summer treat or whenever you need a little sunshine in your day.
11. Biscotti di Vino
Biscotti di Vino are wine cookies that are traditionally served with a glass of sweet wine.
They are made with flour, sugar, olive oil, and red wine.
Plus these cookies have a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with dessert wines.
The dough is rolled into ropes and twisted into rings before baking.
12. Florentines
Florentines are thin, lace-like cookies made with almonds, honey, and candied fruit.
These delicate cookies are crisp and slightly chewy, with a rich, nutty flavor.
I love making these for special occasions because they look so impressive and taste amazing.
They’re a perfect treat to accompany a cup of coffee.
13. Anise Cookies
Anise cookies are simple, yet flavorful cookies that are infused with anise extract.
The dough is made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and anise, then rolled into balls and baked until golden.
The anise flavor is subtle yet distinctive, making these cookies a delightful treat.
These cookies are the perfect option for anyone who loves the taste of licorice.
14. Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are traditional Sicilian cookies that are made with almond paste and pine nuts.
These cookies are chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, plus they have a wonderful nutty flavor.
The pine nuts add a nice crunch and a unique taste.
I love making these because they’re gluten-free and always a hit at gatherings.
15. Biscotti al Caffè
Biscotti al Caffè are coffee-flavored biscotti that are perfect for dunking in your morning espresso.
The dough is made with coffee extract, and this gives these cookies a rich coffee flavor.
They are usually twice-baked for that perfect crunch.
The coffee flavor is intense and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
16. Taralli Dolci
Taralli Dolci are sweet, ring-shaped cookies that are flavored with lemon and often glazed with sugar.
They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest.
The dough is then rolled into rings and baked until golden in color.
The glaze adds a touch of sweetness that makes these cookies irresistible.
17. Italian Wedding Cookies
Italian Wedding Cookies, also known as Anginetti, are light and airy cookies that are covered in powdered sugar.
They are made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.
The powdered sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness that’s perfect for any celebration.
These cookies are a must-have at weddings and holidays.
18. Nutella Biscotti
Nutella biscotti are rich, chocolate-hazelnut cookies that are baked twice for that perfect crunch.
The dough is made with Nutella, giving these biscotti a delicious chocolate hazelnut flavor.
After the first bake, you slice and bake them again until they’re crispy.
These biscotti are perfect for a decadent snack or dessert.
19. Biscotti al Cioccolato
Biscotti al Cioccolato are chocolate-flavored biscotti that are rich and indulgent.
They are made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, these biscotti are perfect for chocolate lovers.
The twice-baked process gives them a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for dunking in coffee or milk.
20. Biscotti al Miele
Biscotti al Miele are honey-flavored biscotti that are sweet and aromatic.
The dough is made with honey, giving these cookies a distinct flavor and a beautiful golden color.
After the first bake, you slice and bake them again for that perfect crunch.
These biscotti are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
21. Biscotti al Mandorle
Biscotti al Mandorle are almond-flavored biscotti that are simple yet delicious.
They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, and almonds.
22. Biscotti all’Arancia
Biscotti all’Arancia are orange-flavored biscotti that are bright and refreshing.
The dough is infused with orange zest and juice, giving these cookies a citrusy flavor.
These biscotti are perfect for a summer treat or whenever you need a little sunshine in your day.
23. Biscotti di Fichi
Biscotti di Fichi are fig-filled cookies that are sweet and chewy.
The dough is made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, and then filled with a mixture of dried figs, honey, and spices.
These cookies are soft and flavorful, with a delightful fig filling.
24. Biscotti di Noci
Biscotti di Noci are walnut-flavored biscotti that are rich and nutty.
They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, and walnuts, these biscotti have a satisfying crunch and a delicious walnut flavor.
These cookies are great for dunking in coffee or tea.
25. Biscotti di Zucca
Biscotti di Zucca are pumpkin-flavored biscotti that are perfect for fall.
The dough is made with pumpkin puree, giving these cookies a beautiful orange color and a delicious pumpkin flavor.
After the first bake, you slice and bake them again for that perfect crunch.
These biscotti are great for a cozy autumn treat.
26. Biscotti al Pistacchio
Biscotti al Pistacchio are pistachio-flavored biscotti that are nutty and delicious.
You make them by combining flour, sugar, eggs, and pistachios
27. Biscotti al Cocco
Biscotti al Cocco are coconut-flavored biscotti that are sweet and tropical.
Made with flour, sugar, eggs, and shredded coconut, these biscotti have a delicious coconut flavor and a satisfying crunch.
28. Biscotti al Burro
Biscotti al Burro are buttery biscotti that are rich and delicious.
Made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, these biscotti have a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch.
These cookies are great for dunking in coffee or tea.
The buttery flavor is comforting and indulgent.
29. Biscotti con Marmellata
Biscotti con Marmellata are jam-filled biscotti that are sweet and fruity.
The dough is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and then filled with your favorite jam.
After baking, these cookies are soft and flavorful, with a delightful jam filling.
They’re perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
30. Biscotti con Uvetta
Biscotti con Uvetta are raisin-filled biscotti that are sweet and chewy.
They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, and raisins, these biscotti have a delicious raisin flavor and a satisfying crunch.
You can pair them with creamy coffee to enjoy them to the fullest!