13+ Timeless Italian Christmas Cookies Recipes

Italian Christmas cookies are more than just a treat — they’re a cherished tradition that brings warmth, joy, and a little bit of magic to the holiday season. For many families, baking these cookies is a festive ritual, filled with laughter, shared memories, and the comforting aroma of butter, vanilla, and spices wafting through the kitchen.

From delicate almond crescents to sweet ricotta-filled delights, each cookie has its own story and unique flavor. These recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving the spirit of Italian heritage and holiday celebration. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to friends, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee by the Christmas tree.

Whether you’re baking for the first time or continuing a beloved tradition, Italian Christmas cookies add a special touch of love, sweetness, and nostalgia to your holiday table.

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipes

Almond Crescents

A delicate, buttery cookie shaped like a crescent and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gifting.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds, finely ground

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps to Make Almond Crescents

– Mix almonds, flour, sugar, and butter into a dough
– Shape into crescents and place on baking sheet
– Bake until lightly golden and dust with powdered sugar

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 18g
A classic Italian holiday cookie with melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor.

Ricotta Cookies

Soft and moist cookies with a hint of citrus and a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Powdered sugar glaze

Steps to Make Ricotta Cookies

– Mix ricotta, sugar, and lemon zest
– Stir in flour and baking powder
– Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet, bake until golden, glaze when cooled

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 25g
Soft, sweet, and perfect for a festive treat or coffee pairing.

Pizzelle Cookies

Thin, crisp waffle cookies flavored with anise and perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:

• 3 eggs

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 1 3/4 cups flour

• 2 tsp anise extract

• Powdered sugar

Steps to Make Pizzelle Cookies

– Beat eggs, sugar, and butter until smooth
– Add flour and anise extract
– Cook batter in pizzelle iron, dust with powdered sugar

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 18g
A holiday favorite with a crisp texture and delicate flavor.

Struffoli

Golden honey balls coated in sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 4 eggs

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup butter

• Honey for coating

• Sprinkles

Steps to Make Struffoli

– Mix flour, eggs, sugar, and butter into a dough
– Roll into small balls and fry until golden
– Coat with warm honey and decorate with sprinkles

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 30g
A festive Italian tradition that brings color and sweetness to the holiday table.

Biscotti di Natale

 

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Crunchy almond biscotti perfect for dipping in coffee or hot cocoa.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup almonds

• Zest of 1 orange

Steps to Make Biscotti di Natale

– Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, almonds, and orange zest
– Shape into logs and bake until firm
– Slice and bake again until crisp

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 20g
A crunchy, citrusy treat perfect for holiday mornings.

Anise Biscotti

 

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A crisp, subtly spiced cookie flavored with anise seeds.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp anise seeds

Steps to Make Anise Biscotti

– Mix all ingredients into a dough
– Shape into logs and bake
– Slice and bake again for crispness

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 130 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 19g
Delicate anise flavor makes this a traditional holiday favorite.

Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti

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Crunchy almond biscotti dipped in rich dark chocolate.
Ingredients:

• Biscotti dough (from above)

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Steps to Make Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti

– Bake biscotti as usual
– Melt chocolate chips and dip biscotti halfway
– Let chocolate set before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 20g
A festive, indulgent twist on a classic holiday cookie.

Italian Butter Cookies

Soft, buttery cookies perfect for holiday sharing.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps to Make Italian Butter Cookies

– Cream butter and sugar
– Add eggs and vanilla, mix well
– Add flour and form dough
– Shape cookies and bake until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 18g
Simple, rich, and perfect for gifting during the holidays.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Light and citrusy cookies with a soft texture.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• Zest of 2 lemons

• 1 tsp baking powder

Steps to Make Lemon Ricotta Cookies

– Combine ricotta, sugar, and lemon zest
– Stir in flour and baking powder
– Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 170 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 24g
Bright, fresh, and perfect for adding lightness to holiday treats.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Rich cookies with a nutty, chocolaty flavor.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts

Steps to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

– Cream butter and sugar
– Mix in flour and cocoa powder
– Add hazelnuts and form dough
– Bake until set

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 22g
A rich treat that’s perfect for chocolate lovers at Christmas.

Ricciarelli

Soft almond cookies with a chewy texture and powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 egg whites

• Powdered sugar

Steps to Make Ricciarelli

– Mix almond flour and sugar
– Fold in egg whites to form dough
– Shape cookies, dust with powdered sugar, and bake

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 20g
A traditional Italian cookie with delicate almond flavor.

Italian Fig Cookies

Soft cookies filled with fig jam and nuts.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

• Fig jam

Steps to Make Italian Fig Cookies

– Mix flour, sugar, and butter into dough
– Roll out and cut shapes
– Fill with fig jam, fold, and bake

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 190 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 25g
A sweet and nutty treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Amaretti Cookies

Crunchy almond cookies with a chewy center.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 egg whites

• 1 tsp almond extract

Steps to Make Amaretti Cookies

– Mix almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and almond extract
– Shape dough into balls and bake until golden
– Let cool before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 18g
A classic Italian cookie loved during the holidays for its almond aroma.

Panforte Bites

Chewy spiced fruit and nut cookies, perfect for gifting.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed nuts

• 1 cup dried fruit

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup flour

Steps to Make Panforte Bites

– Mix nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon, honey, and flour
– Press into a pan and bake
– Cut into small squares once cooled

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 28g
A traditional Italian treat filled with festive spice and texture.

FAQ

What makes Italian Christmas cookies special?

Italian Christmas cookies are steeped in tradition, often passed down through generations. They blend rich flavors like almond, citrus, and spices with unique shapes and textures.

How long do Italian Christmas cookies last?

Most Italian Christmas cookies can last up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container. Some, like biscotti, can last even longer.

Can I make Italian Christmas cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Many Italian cookies actually taste better when made a day or two ahead, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Are Italian Christmas cookies difficult to make?

Not at all. Many recipes are simple and require basic ingredients. Some may take more time, but the results are well worth it.

Can I freeze Italian Christmas cookies?

Yes. Most Italian cookies freeze well. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Do Italian Christmas cookies use nuts?

Yes, nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts are common ingredients, adding flavor and texture.