Discover 15 traditional recipes for Italian Christmas cookies - from biscotti and pizzelle to soft amaretti and fig cookies. Easy, festive, and perfect for gifting!
Calling all Christmas bakers! It's time to start baking for the holidays!
I'm so excited to share some of my favorite traditional Italian Christmas cookies with you. Whether you're creating the perfect holiday cookie box for hostess gifts, planning a cookie exchange, or simply filling your home with the aroma of freshly baked treats, these Italian cookie recipes have you covered.
In this collection, you'll find some of the cookies I bake every holiday season - including a few traditional Italian family recipes that my mom and nonna made every Christmas. From delicate pizzelle to nutty biscotti, each one is a delicious reminder of the sweet traditions that bring us together.
I hope you enjoy these festive cookies as much as my family does. Try one or two new recipes to add to your own holiday traditions - they're sure to make your Christmas cookie tray extra special this year.
Jump to:
- 1-Italian Fig Cookies
- 2-Biscotti Cookies
- 3-Italian Knot Cookies
- 4-Ricotta Cookies
- 5-Pizzelle
- 6-Almond Biscotti
- 7-Brutti ma Buoni (Italian Hazelnut Cookies)
- 8-Italian Wine Cookies
- 9-S Cookies
- 10-Mostaccioli Cookies
- 11-Thin Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
- 12-Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies
- 13-Holiday Biscotti Recipe
- 14-Italian Almond Cookies
- 15- Italian Sesame Cookies
- FAQ
- Bake, Share & Celebrate!
1-Italian Fig Cookies
Bring a taste of Sicily to your holiday baking with these Italian fig cookies, also known as Cuccidati. Filled with a mixture of figs, hazelnuts, chocolate, and warm spices, these cookies are wrapped in tender pastry and topped with a simple lemon glaze recipe. A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils adds the perfect festive touch.
These Sicilian fig cookies are chewy and fragrant - a recipe that's sure to be a hit on any cookie platter. The post includes step‑by‑step photos and a helpful video showing exactly how to shape, fill, and decorate them for your Christmas cookie tray.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Sweet, spiced, and beautifully nostalgic - these Italian fig cookies capture the warmth and spirit of a traditional Sicilian Christmas.
👉 Get the Italian Fig Cookies Recipe
2-Biscotti Cookies
These biscotti cookies combine roasted almonds, dark chocolate, and a touch of orange zest for a sweet, spiced flavor that's perfect for the holidays. Lightly sweetened with honey and flavored with cinnamon and cloves, they're crisp, aromatic, and irresistibly dunkable.
Inspired by traditional Calabrian recipes, these Italian biscotti cookies are a wonderful addition to any Italian Christmas cookie tray. Whether you serve them with espresso, package them as gifts, or save a few for yourself, they're a delicious way to share a little piece of Italian tradition.
What Makes These Biscotti Special: Crunchy, chocolatey, and lightly spiced - a biscotti cookie that tastes like Christmas in every bite.
👉 Get the Biscotti Cookies Recipe
3-Italian Knot Cookies
If you're a lemon lover, these lemon knot cookies are for you! Traditionally made at Christmas, these soft, cake‑like Italian cookies - also known as tarallucci or anginetti - have a bright lemon flavor that pairs perfectly with espresso.
Glazed with this simple lemon glaze recipe, these dainty knots are lightly sweet, tender, and full of old‑world charm. The post even includes a helpful video showing how to shape them so they stay soft and airy.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Soft and citrusy - this easy cookie recipe is a timeless favorite for any Christmas cookie tray.
👉 Get the Italian Knot Cookies Recipe
4-Ricotta Cookies
These soft and tender ricotta cookies are naturally eggless, bursting with fresh lemon flavor, and so easy to make. Thanks to creamy ricotta cheese, they stay moist and light without any butter - a delicious, slightly healthier twist on a classic Italian cookie.
This version features a traditional lemon glaze, creating a simple yet elegant finish. Perfect for gifting or adding to your holiday cookie tray, these lemon ricotta cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
Why They Belong on Your Holiday Tray: Light, lemony, and melt‑in‑your‑mouth soft - these Italian cookies bring a bright touch to any holiday cookie platter.
👉 Get the Ricotta Cookies Recipe
5-Pizzelle
It's almost impossible to think of Italian holiday cookies without mentioning these traditional pizzelle cookies. Crisp, delicate, and beautifully patterned, they're a staple on every Italian Christmas cookie tray.
I have so many fond memories of these cookies. As a kid, I'd sit on a stool in the kitchen, happily munching on warm pizzelle as my nonna made them one at a time with her stovetop iron. She'd just smile as the sweet aroma filled the room - a memory that still makes me smile today.
In this recipe, you'll find a helpful video showing how to make pizzelle with a traditional iron, along with all my tips for getting that perfect crisp texture. And if you're a chocolate lover, don't miss this chocolate pizzelle recipe. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Light, crisp, and irresistibly nostalgic - these pizzelle cookies bring the warmth of Italian tradition to every holiday celebration.
👉 Get the Pizzelle Cookies Recipe
6-Almond Biscotti
My love for these twice‑baked biscotti cookies started with this treasured family recipe for almond biscotti. Once you try them, it's hard to fill your cookie jar with anything else! Crisp, nutty, and perfectly dunkable, they're a true Italian classic that never goes out of style.
This recipe includes a helpful video that walks you through every step, making it easy to bake the best homemade biscotti right in your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy them with coffee, tea, or a little Vin Santo, these cookies are always a hit during the holidays.
Why These Cookies Always Disappear First: Crunchy, aromatic, and full of almond flavor - these biscotti are the ultimate Italian treat for coffee lovers.
👉 Get the Almond Biscotti Cookies Recipe
7-Brutti ma Buoni (Italian Hazelnut Cookies)
This gluten‑free recipe for Italian hazelnut cookies, also known as brutti ma buoni ("ugly but good"), strikes the perfect balance of roasted hazelnuts and almonds. Each bite delivers that classic meringue texture - crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside - making them a standout on any holiday cookie tray.
These Italian hazelnut cookies are surprisingly easy to make, and the included video shows exactly how to whip the meringue and fold in the nuts for perfect results every time.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Light, nutty, and naturally gluten‑free - these Italian hazelnut cookies are as delightful to eat as they are fun to make.
👉 Get the Italian Hazelnut Cookies Recipe
8-Italian Wine Cookies
These Italian wine cookies, also known as ciambelline al vino, have the most irresistible crumbly texture - crisp on the outside, tender within, and lightly scented with wine and anise.
Your holiday cookie platter isn't complete without them! This recipe includes a step‑by‑step photo and video tutorial that shows exactly how to shape and bake the perfect wine biscuits for that authentic Italian crunch.
What Makes These Cookies Special: Lightly sweet, delicately crisp, and infused with wine - these Italian wine cookies are the perfect grown‑up treat for any holiday celebration.
👉 Get the Italian Wine Cookies Recipe
9-S Cookies
If you're preparing a tray of cookies for Santa, you have to include these Italian S cookies - after all, they have his initials! These lightly sweetened, no‑butter cookies are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and loved by both kids and adults.
This traditional recipe comes together quickly, and there's even a video tutorial showing exactly how to shape and bake them to perfection. Be sure to make a double batch - they disappear fast! And yes, you can absolutely enjoy these cookies for breakfast… Italians do!
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Simple, lightly sweet, and perfect for dunking - these Italian S cookies are a nostalgic favorite that's delicious any time of day.
👉 Get the Italian S Cookies Recipe
10-Mostaccioli Cookies
A Southern Italian specialty that's especially beloved in Naples, these Mostaccioli cookies are a true labor of love. This family recipe - perfected by my mom over the years - combines almonds, honey, warm spices, and dark chocolate to create a rich, aromatic cookie that's impossible to resist.
These diamond‑shaped Italian Christmas cookies are dipped in dark chocolate for a glossy, irresistible finish. The post also includes a video tutorial showing exactly how these traditional cookies are shaped and coated to perfection.
Why They Belong on Your Holiday Tray: Deeply chocolatey, lightly spiced, and full of family tradition - these Mostaccioli cookies are the heart of every Southern Italian Christmas celebration.
👉 Get the Mostaccioli Cookies Recipe
11-Thin Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Impress your friends and family with these festive thin cranberry pistachio biscotti! The combination of tart cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and a hint of orange zest creates a unique Christmas cookie that's both beautiful and addictive. Perfect for gifting or adding to your holiday cookie trays.
This recipe is my homemade take on the popular "ThinAddictives Costco" cookies - inspired by my family's traditional thin almond biscotti. The post includes step‑by‑step instructions and helpful visuals to ensure you get that perfect crisp texture every time.
What Makes These Cookies Special: Crisp, colorful, and full of festive flavor - these cranberry pistachio biscotti are the ultimate holiday treat for coffee or tea lovers.
👉 Get the Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti Recipe
12-Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies
Just one look at these Italian chocolate spice cookies, and you know they're meant to be enjoyed with an espresso. Soft, moist, and cake‑like, these chocolate‑orange cookies bring together the comforting flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg - a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.
These Italian chocolate cookies are a must‑add to your holiday cookie platter. Their crinkled tops dusted with icing sugar make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Soft, spiced, and full of rich chocolate flavor - these chocolate spice cookies are the perfect pairing for coffee or a cozy winter afternoon.
👉 Get the Italian Chocolate Cookies Recipe
13-Holiday Biscotti Recipe
The combination of dried figs, apricots, pineapple, cranberries, and Brazil nuts makes this holiday biscotti recipe as colorful as it is delicious. Each slice reveals jewel‑like bits of fruit and crunchy nuts - a festive treat that's guaranteed to stand out on any cookie platter.
This biscotti recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It's easy to make, freezes beautifully, and adds a cheerful splash of color to your holiday dessert table.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Fruity, nutty, and wonderfully festive - this holiday biscotti is a crunchy, colorful addition to every Italian Christmas cookie tray.
👉 Get the Holiday Biscotti Recipe
14-Italian Almond Cookies
These Italian almond cookies stand out from the rest thanks to their unique combination of almond flour and whole eggs, which creates a soft, chewy texture that's simply irresistible. Naturally gluten‑free, they're one of those cookies you'll find yourself making again and again.
After four rounds of testing, I finally perfected this recipe - so you can enjoy the best chewy almond cookies every time. The post includes step‑by‑step photos and a helpful video tutorial to guide you through the process and ensure perfect results.
If you love these, you'll also want to try my original Amaretti - another delicious variation that's crisp on the outside and perfectly chewy inside.
Why They Belong on Your Holiday Tray: Soft, chewy, and full of almond flavor - these Italian almond cookies are a gluten‑free favorite that's perfect for any holiday cookie tray.
👉 Get the Italian Almond Cookies Recipe
15- Italian Sesame Cookies
These Italian sesame cookies are crisp, lightly sweet, and full of nutty flavor from toasted sesame seeds. A touch of lemon sugar adds a subtle citrus note that makes every bite irresistible.
This recipe isn't a traditional Biscotti della Regina, but it's inspired by the same beloved Sicilian flavors. The dough comes together easily - either by hand or in a food processor - and the cookies bake up beautifully golden and crunchy.
Why You'll Love These Cookies: Crisp, aromatic, and lightly sweet - these sesame cookies are perfect for your Italian Christmas cookie tray or as a simple everyday treat with coffee.
👉 Get the Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe
FAQ
Italian Christmas cookies are a collection of sweet treats traditionally enjoyed around the holidays, often passed down through families and rooted in regional Italian baking customs.
Not at all - some are crisp and others are soft or chewy, depending on family tradition and recipe style.
Many Italian Christmas cookies keep well for several days or even a week when stored in an airtight container, which makes them perfect for holiday planning.
Bake, Share & Celebrate!
There's something truly special about baking Italian Christmas cookies - the aromas, the memories, and the joy of sharing them with family and friends.
Whether you're filling your cookie trays, creating edible gifts, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a biscotti and espresso, I hope these recipes bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday season.
Buon Natale and Happy Baking!
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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
I originally published this post on December 1, 2018, and republished it on November 17, 2025, with updated content and photos. Thanks for sharing.
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Carla
Hello Maria,
I have been using your recipes ever since you started with the amaretti and sharing with my family and friends. I love every recipe you have so authentic and delicious! I have become a better cook, my family loves my food thanks to you! Happy Holidays to you and your family! You deserve the 5 stars!! 😍😘 thank you, thank you thank you!!!!!
Maria
Thank you so much for your incredible message Carla! I’m beyond happy to read this! Your support means the world to me. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season—grazie bella!
Maria Fairbank
I love your site, so inspirational, you explain the recipes so stress free and the photos are beautiful, it almost makes you want to put on opera while making one of your dishes. Maria
Maria
You are too kind Maria ♥ Thank you so much!
Maria Gentile
Hi Maria, was looking for a recipe on how to make ricotta when I come across you blog.
I just love all the recipe that you have on it.
Am from Melbourne Australia (down under as we are know).
I am Italian, and looking through your recipes have brought back many memories. I was brought up with all those wonderful recipes. I cook most of the recipes, but its so nice to see that there out there.
I have subscribed to you blog. Will definitely make your recipes
Thank you for your blog will follow you religiously.
Maria
Thank you so much for your kind words Maria! Welcome to my little corner of the world ♥
Lori Ritchie
Hi Maria, I live in Canada and have been getting Nonni’s Lemoncello Biscotti at Costco, they aren’t getting them in anymore! they are either dipped in a white chocolate lemon frosting or a lemon yogurt frosting, do you have any recipe that might be close?
Maria
Hi Lori, thanks for reaching out. I do have a lemon biscotti recipe that you could probably vary to include some limoncello to give it a little bit of a kick. Just click on the highlighted texts to get the recipes. Enjoy!
KO
I made the Almond Biscotti twice in the last three weeks for the first time ever and found the recipe easy to follow. My family and guests all loved them. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes for Christmas. Buon Natalie!
Maria
How wonderful KO! I am thrilled to hear you are all enjoying these almond biscotti! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, appreciate it. Buon Natale to you and your loved ones as well!
Andrea Vitagliano Riahi
Love the video watching you make Struffoli. Brings back so many memories. I remember my mother saying that my father insisted she make them no bigger than her little fingertip asthat is the way his mother (my grandmother) made them! I try to make these every other year as cannot make just a small batch.
I found your sight looking for a traditional almond biscotti recipe and will let you know how they come out. I am sure they will be delicious.
Felice Anno Nuevo!
Maria
Thanks so much Andrea! All the best to you and your family.
Jasmine Thompson
Thank you for these authentic Italian style cookies….I have always been a big baker over the years especially when the children were young….now there is just the two of us but still enjoy baking but not in the same volume as before. Thanks for sharing your tried & true recipes, Jasmine
Maria
My pleasure Jasmine! Baking really is so much fun! Thanks so much for stopping by.