Imagine the warm, sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. These delightful Italian cookie recipes not only fill your home with heavenly scents but also bring a little taste of Italy right to your table. Get ready to whisk, knead, and bake your way into a world of flavor that will leave your friends and family begging for more!
Classic Italian Biscotti

Classic Italian Almond Cookie Recipe (Cantucci) from Italian Kitchen Confessions
Rating: 3.9. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min
These twice-baked cookies are the perfect blend of crunchy and sweet, making them an ideal companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The delightful flavor of almond shines through, while hints of citrus zest add a refreshing twist. What makes this recipe special is its versatility; you can mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits to customize it to your taste!
To prepare, you’ll start by mixing flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder, then fold in slivered almonds and a splash of vanilla. Shape the dough into logs and bake them until golden. Slice them into crisp cookies and bake again. The result? A cookie that’s not just a snack, but a delightful experience!
Soft and Chewy Amaretti Cookies

Chewy Amaretti Cookies Recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.
These little gems pack a punch of almond flavor, with a delightful chewiness that makes them utterly addictive. Made with ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for everyone. Their signature crackled top gives them a rustic charm that’s hard to resist.
Start by whisking egg whites until they form stiff peaks and then gently fold in the almond flour and sugar. Drop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake until they’re just set. The best part? They taste even better the next day! Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness!
Ricciarelli – Soft Almond Cookies

Ricciarelli: Chewy Italian Almond Cookies from Pinch me, I'm eating
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Almond flour, egg whites, almond extract, powdered sugar, orange zest Total Time: 50 min.

Italian Ricciarelli Cookies from An Italian in my Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Almond flour, orange, egg whites, baking powder, sugar Total Time: 12 hr 35 min.

Ricciarelli, Italian Almond Christmas Cookies (Gluten-Free) from Fearless Fresh
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Almond flour, egg whites, almond extract, powdered sugar, lemon zest Total Time: 55 min.
These chewy almond cookies are a true Italian classic, originating from Siena. With their soft texture and rich almond flavor, they’re like little bites of heaven. The hint of orange zest adds a unique twist that brightens up the cookie, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
To make ricciarelli, you’ll blend almond flour with sugar, egg whites, and orange zest, forming a thick dough. After shaping them into rustic-looking ovals, they’re rolled in powdered sugar before baking. The result? A cookie that’s not only delicious but also has a beautiful, snowy appearance!
Cantucci – Tuscan Almond Cookies

Cantucci (Almond cookies) from Italian recipes by GialloZafferano
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 55 min Total Time: 55 min.
These crunchy delights are perfect for dunking into your favorite beverage, making them a popular choice for dessert or a sweet snack. Loaded with whole almonds, their nutty flavor and satisfying crunch make them irresistible. What makes cantucci special is their traditional preparation method, which involves baking them twice for that perfect texture.
Mix flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder, then fold in a generous amount of whole almonds. Shape the dough into logs and bake them once. After cooling, slice and bake them again until they’re crispy. These cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine that enhances their flavors!
Italian Fig Cookies – Cuccidati
These delightful cookies are filled with a rich fig and nut mixture, bringing together flavors that are both sweet and slightly spiced. Often enjoyed during the holiday season, these cookies carry a sense of tradition, making them truly special. The unique filling and the soft, tender dough create a wonderful contrast that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
To prepare, you’ll make a sweet dough using flour, butter, and sugar, then roll it out and fill it with a mixture of figs, nuts, and spices. Cut them into small shapes, seal them, and bake until golden. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple icing for a beautiful finish. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a taste of Italian heritage!