This Italian Roccocò recipe is a taralli-shaped crispy, spicy cookie originating in the Campania region of Italy. This Neapolitan Christmas treat gets its unique flavor from the combination of spices used to make them.
These crunchy cookies are the perfect addition to your cookie tray of Italian Christmas cookies during the festive holiday season!
The Italian region of Campania is well known for its unique Christmas cookies.
In addition to mostaccioli, chiacchiere, and struffoli, these Italian cookies are traditional Christmas treats frequently found in the southern Italian region of Naples.
Historically prepared by nuns in religious orders as early as 1320 throughout this Italian region, it is one of the region’s most appreciated, sought-after Christmas cookies. Read more about Roccocò history.
The unique flavor and texture of this taralli-shaped cookie is due to the unique blend of spices referred to as pisto Napoletano and baking ammonia as a leavening agent. The lovely aroma of spices makes them a favorite at holiday gatherings in Campania.
Jump to:
What is Pisto spice?
Pisto spice, also referred to as Pisto Napoletano spice blend, is a fragrant and flavorful mix of spices commonly used in the Naples region. It includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, coriander, and white pepper. It is often used as an ingredient in mostaccioli.
True to Italian regional cuisine, every family has variations of this spice blend. You can tailor the taste by varying the amounts of the different spices.
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious cookie to add to your holiday cookie plate, look no further than this Neapolitan cookie! You won’t believe how easily they come together.
Step-by-step instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Sift or whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Specifically, 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of each ground anise star, coriander, Kosher salt and white pepper.
Add 1¼ cups granulated sugar, the zest of one organic orange, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped candied orange peel. Combine thoroughly together.
Add ½ cup of warm water in three separate additions and mix until the dough comes together.
Finally, add 1 cup of toasted almonds and combine.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, then knead it a few times until there are no visible flour streaks.
Form into a large log.
Portion into 35-gram portions (or the equivalence of about 2 tablespoons).
Roll into a 5-inch strand about ½ inch in diameter. Combine the two ends to form a ring. Refer to the video in this post to see how this is done.
Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Continue this process with the rest of the dough.
Brush cookies with whisked egg.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. The longer they stay in the oven, the harder they get once they are at room temperature.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- You can use a variety of nuts for this easy cookie recipe. Hazelnuts and walnuts are great alternatives to almonds.
- Replace the candied orange peel with other candied fruit, such as lemon rind or grapefruit peel.
- As mentioned, the spice blend can also be adjusted to your taste by varying the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices.
- These delicious cookies can be garnished with blanched almonds.
FAQ
Once they have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for one week.
These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place in an airtight container and keep in the freezer until you’re ready to indulge in them. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
Often referred to as a jawbreaker cookie, this is supposed to be a hard cookie. To create a cookie with a softer texture, reduce the baking time. These cookies may be soft when you remove them from the oven, but they’ll harden as they cool.
According to tradition, Roccoco cookies are best enjoyed by dipping into Vin Santo or sweet wine to soften the cookie. Although some may disagree, you can dip this cookie in espresso or your favorite cup of java.
Food of Campania
With its rich and diverse flavors, it is no wonder that the Italian region of Campania has some delicious dishes and desserts.
As mentioned, it is home to mostaccioli, struffoli and chiacchiere. But there are also savory dishes like pizza Margherita and eggplant parmesan.
And, of course, a trip to Campania is not complete without trying the region’s famous acqua pazza, Caprese salad and limoncello. All are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Pastiera
Another Neapolitan favorite is pastiera, with its smooth, creamy ricotta cheese filling nestled inside a golden, flaky pasta frolla crust. Perfect for an Italian Easter brunch or any celebration!
Roccocò adds a delightful touch to your holiday cookie plate and is an iconic Christmas treat in Naples. With a unique flavor profile of pisto Napoletano spices, these cookies make for a delicious bite.
Recipe origins
My mom was born in Benevento, in the Italian region of Campania. It is a small town in Southern Italy, close to Naples.
My mom’s friend, Nunzia, also born in Benevento, introduced this cookie to my family. If you recall, she also introduced me to this recipe for these addictive thin crispy biscotti a few decades ago.
If you have visited here before, you probably know I have always been fascinated by cookies.
From the first time I tasted these crispy cookies, I thought Nunzia was on to something amazing. Grazie Nunzia ♥
Over the years, I made minor changes to Nunzia’s Roccocò biscotti and finally had a chance to update it after many requests from family and friends.
I truly hope that you have the chance to try this amazing crispy cookie.
I can’t wait to read your comments!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
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★★★★★ If you have made these Neapolitan traditional Christmas cookies, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Italian Roccocò Recipe: Spicy Neapolitan Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1¾ cups flour all-purpose, 250 grams
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon ground
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves ground
- pinch star anise ground
- pinch coriander ground
- pinch salt
- pinch white pepper
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar 250 grams
- 1 zest orange organic
- 2 tablespoons candied orange peel 50 grams
- ½ cup water warm
- 1 cup almonds toasted
- extra flour for dusting wooden board
Egg wash
- 1 egg slightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, coriander, salt, and white pepper).
- Add the sugar, orange zest and candied orange peel and combine thoroughly.
- Gradually add the warm water in three separate additions and combine.
- Finally, add the nuts to combine.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, then knead it a few times until there are no visible flour streaks.
- Form into a large log.
- Portion into 35-gram portions (or the equivalence of about 2 tablespoons). Refer to the video in this post to see how this is done.
- Roll into a 5-inch strand about ½ inch in diameter.
- Combine the two ends to form a ring.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Continue this process with the rest of the dough.
- Brush cookies with egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. The longer they stay in the oven, the harder they get.
- Allow to cool on baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published on December 1, 2016, and republished on December 1, 2022, with updated photos, content and a video. Thanks for sharing.
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Barbarito-Levitt Paula
Crunchy, nutty, spicy – all of the qualities I need in a cookie! Thank you, Nunzia and Laura – this is a must on my holiday baking list!
Maria
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy them Paula 🙂
Evelyne CulturEatz
Well this Italian holiday cookie is knew to me. I know about the others but would love to try this new one, sounds like a great taste and texture!
Maria
There are so many “regional” recipes in Italy, both sweet and savory. My mom originates from the province of Benevento, which is in the Campania area of Italy. This cookie can be found throughout this area and of course every family has their version of this recipe. Thanks for dropping by Evelyne 🙂
Carmelina
Maria,
I’ve fallen in love with your recipes. They are a true treasure. I read this comment and have realized why I felt such a strong connection to your blog. I am also from the province of Benevento. The town of Montesarchio, to be exact. I have lived in the US for over 40 years. Thanks again for your recipes. 🙂
Maria
Nice to “virtually” met you Carmelina ♥ Welcome! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy you are here. Happy Valentine’s Day ♥
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
This is why I love the exchange: drooling over cookies that I have never made before but now cannot wait to try! These look so decadent, and I know they would be amazing!
Maria
Thanks Kacey! It just wouldn’t be Christmas without these cookies. Appreciate you dropping by and thanks so much for hosting this exchange 🙂
Samantha | My Kitchen Love
So many wonderful holiday flavours and scents in these cookies! The fact that they’re shaped like a wreath is slightly magical as well. Happy holidays!
Maria
Good eye Samantha! In fact, blanched almonds are sometimes indented in the cookie dough before they are baked. Happy Holidays to you too!
Amanda
Okay, these are a new cookie to me! This is why I love food blogging! I literally learn something new everyday! The dough looks a bit difficult to work with, but I bet the reward is so high! Thanks for sharing 🙂 So happy to be part of this collab alongside the pros like you!
Maria
Thank you for your kind words Amanda! Yes, the dough is a bit sticky to work with, but once you get the hang of it, it truly is an easy recipe. We have to keep in mind that our mothers and grandmothers would make these recipes over and over again. I am also happy to be part of this group …so many great recipes in this collaboration. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Hilary
What a great looking recipe, Maria! I love the combo of the spices and the citrus zest. Will have to bookmark for later!
Maria
Thanks Hilary, hope you like them! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Vicky Chin
Sounds like an all-in-one cookie ! Crispy, crunchy, nutty, spicy with a bit of citrus….Wow ! The name reminds me of the Almond Roca candy that I loved when I was young. Thanks for sharing !
Maria
What a great name for a cookie …the all-in-one! Thanks for dropping by Vicky 🙂
The Finer Cookie/Kim
These look delicious. I bet they’re addictive. Beautiful photo too. All your photos are lovely.
Maria
Thanks Kim! Yes, they are addictive …and so much fun to crunch! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Kiki
Is it supposed to be 1 3/4 CUPS flour and 1 3/4 CUPS sugar?
Maria
Oops, forgot the cups …sorry about that! Have made the update. Thanks Kiki 🙂
Jo-Anna Rooney
I’ve never heard of these cookies before, but they sound amazing! All the right spices for the holiday season!
Maria
Yes, I agree! These are definitely one of my favorites for the holiday season! Thanks for dropping by Jo-Anna 🙂