MomSkoop
Christmas in an Italian household means the kitchen fills with the sweet smell of butter, almonds, and honey as generations gather to bake traditional cookies. These recipes have been passed down through families for centuries, each one carrying memories of holidays past and the love of grandmothers who perfected them.
From crispy pizzelle to sticky struffoli, these cookies are more than just desserts—they’re edible traditions that bring families together during the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Pizzelle
Crispy and delicate, pizzelle are the showstoppers of Italian cookie trays.
Made with a special iron that presses beautiful patterns into each cookie, they’re flavored with anise, vanilla, or bright lemon zest.
The batter is simple—flour, eggs, sugar, and butter—but the result is magical.
Each cookie is paper-thin and shatters with the first bite, releasing waves of sweet flavor.
Nonnas have been making these for generations, often using irons passed down through families.
They’re perfect on their own or rolled into cones while still warm and filled with whipped cream or cannoli filling.
2. Struffoli
Golden fried dough balls swimming in honey create one of Italy’s most beloved Christmas treats.
Struffoli are tiny, crunchy on the outside, and slightly chewy inside.
After frying, they’re tossed in warm honey and shaped into festive piles or wreaths, then decorated with colorful sprinkles and candied fruits.
The name comes from the Greek word for “round sweets,” showing just how ancient this recipe really is.
Making them is a family affair—everyone sits around rolling tiny pieces of dough.
They’re sticky, sweet, and absolutely irresistible, disappearing from the table faster than you can make them.
3. Ricotta Cookies
Light as clouds, these cookies get their incredible softness from fresh ricotta cheese mixed right into the dough.
They’re more like tiny cakes than traditional cookies, with a tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue.
A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice tops each one, sometimes finished with rainbow sprinkles for extra holiday cheer.
The ricotta keeps them moist for days, though they rarely last that long.
Your nonna probably made these by the dozen, storing them in old cookie tins.
They’re mild, sweet, and perfect with morning coffee or as an afternoon treat.
4. Biscotti (Cantucci)
Crunchy, nutty, and built for dunking, biscotti are the ultimate coffee companion.
The name literally means “twice-cooked,” referring to the baking method that gives them their signature snap.
First, the dough is shaped into logs and baked until firm.
Then it’s sliced and baked again until golden and crispy throughout.
Whole almonds stud each piece, adding bursts of flavor and texture.
Traditionally served with Vin Santo, a sweet Italian dessert wine, they’re also perfect with hot chocolate or cappuccino.
They last for weeks in an airtight container, making them ideal for holiday gift-giving.
5. Amaretti Cookies
With their distinctive crackled tops and intense almond flavor, amaretti are unforgettable.
Made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, they’re naturally gluten-free and incredibly fragrant.
The outside develops a delicate crispy shell while the inside stays chewy and moist.
Some versions use bitter almonds for a more complex taste, while others stick to sweet almonds and almond extract.
They originated in the town of Saronno in northern Italy centuries ago.
Often wrapped in colorful tissue paper, they make beautiful gifts.
Pair them with espresso or crumble them over ice cream for an elegant dessert.
6. Taralli Dolci
Ring-shaped and glossy with icing, taralli dolci transform a savory Italian snack into a sweet holiday treat.
The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and sugar, then flavored with vanilla, anise, or lemon.
After shaping into rings, they’re boiled briefly—just like bagels—which gives them a unique, slightly chewy texture.
Then they’re baked until golden and finally coated in a shiny white glaze.
The boiling step might seem strange, but it’s what makes these cookies special.
They’re not too sweet, making them perfect for breakfast or snacking throughout the day during the holiday season.
7. Cuccidati (Italian Fig Cookies)
Packed with figs, nuts, and warm spices, cuccidati are Sicily’s gift to Christmas cookie trays everywhere.
The filling is a fragrant mixture of dried figs, raisins, walnuts, almonds, orange zest, cinnamon, and sometimes a touch of chocolate.
This rich mixture is wrapped in tender pastry dough, shaped into crescents or logs, and baked until golden.
After cooling, they’re drizzled with icing and decorated with sprinkles.
Making them is time-consuming, which is why they’re saved for special occasions.
The flavors deepen after a day or two, making them even more delicious as Christmas approaches.
8. Mostaccioli
Dark, spiced, and mysterious, mostaccioli are unlike any other Italian Christmas cookie.
The dough combines cocoa powder with cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes a hint of black pepper for unexpected warmth.
Honey adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
Traditionally cut into diamond shapes, they’re baked until firm, then coated in chocolate glaze.
Some versions include ground almonds or hazelnuts for extra richness.
These cookies have ancient roots, dating back to medieval times when spices were prized ingredients.
They’re dense, intensely flavored, and perfect for anyone who prefers cookies that aren’t too sweet.
9. Panettone Cookies
All the magic of panettone bread transformed into convenient, shareable cookies.
Candied orange peel, lemon zest, and plump raisins dot each cookie, giving them the same festive flavor as the famous Italian Christmas bread.
The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, creating a soft, cake-like texture.
A hint of vanilla and sometimes a splash of rum add depth to the flavor.
They’re easier to make than traditional panettone, which requires hours of rising time.
These cookies capture the holiday spirit without all the work.
Serve them alongside espresso or package them in pretty tins for thoughtful homemade gifts.
10. Snowball Cookies (Italian Wedding Cookies)
Buttery, nutty, and rolled in a blizzard of powdered sugar, these cookies melt the moment they touch your tongue.
Ground walnuts or pecans are mixed into shortbread-like dough, creating a crumbly texture that’s utterly irresistible.
After baking, they’re rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, then rolled again after cooling for extra sweetness.
The result looks like little snowballs, perfect for winter celebrations.
Despite being called wedding cookies, they appear at every Italian holiday gathering.
Your nonna probably made hundreds of these every December, storing them in tins that somehow always stayed full.
They’re simple, classic, and absolutely necessary on any Italian cookie tray.