Traditional Italian Cookie Recipes From Every Region
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Italian cookies are more than just sweet treats — they’re tied to holidays, weddings, and family gatherings that bring generations together. From almond-based classics like pignoli and amaretti from Sicily to the nutty Baci di Dama from Piedmont, these recipes are part of Italy’s cultural fabric.
This guide gathers my favorite Italian cookie recipes by region so you can bake like an Italian no matter the season.
What Makes Italian Cookies Special?
Italian cookies are often flavored with almonds, citrus, anise, or honey. Many are glazed instead of frosted, some are fried instead of baked, and most are tied to a celebration. The beauty of Italian cookies is how much they reflect the region they come from: Sicily’s abundance of almonds and citrus, Tuscany’s wine-soaked biscotti, and Naples’ love of honey and fried pastries.
Italian Cookies by Region
Sicilian Cookies
This is where my heart and soul is! These Sicilian cookies are family recipes that bring back memories with every bite.
Cuccidati – Sicilian Fig Cookies – Filled with figs, nuts, and warm spices, then glazed. A holiday favorite.
Pignoli Cookies – Chewy almond paste cookies topped with golden pine nuts. Perfect for any occasion and naturally gluten-free!
Sicilian Almond Paste Cookies (Pasticcini alla Pasta di Mandorla) – Soft and chewy with a sweet almond flavor. Mom’s special recipe is gluten-free and perfect for any occasion.
Italian Sesame Cookies (Reginelle) – Crunchy sesame-coated cookies originating from Palermo, Italy. In Sicily we also call these cookies “giugiullena” which means sesame seeds.
Pani di Cena (Sicilian Anise Lenten Cookies) – Rustic cookies flavored with anise. Traditionally made during Lent and just before Easter, this is my nonna’s delicious recipe. One of my husband’s favorites.
Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies (Tetu) – Soft chocolate cookies flavored with cinnamon and clove and topped with a simple glaze. Every bite will reward you with chocolate chips, nuts, and fruit.
Ricotta Cookies – Soft, tender cookies with a simple glaze. These cookies are traditional favorites made for all the holidays, but especially for the Feast of St. Joseph.
Ossa di Morto – Crispy, hollow bone-shaped cookies with a sweet, chewy base. These unique, delicious cookies are traditionally made to celebrate All Souls Day.
Neapolitan & Southern Italian Cookies
Chiacchiere – Traditional Crispy fried pastries for Carnevale. These Southern Italian treats are super easy to make and dangerously addictive!
Struffoli (Honey Balls) – Fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkles. These little honey balls are a popular dessert for every holiday! Courtesy of MarcellinainCucina.com
Mustaccioli – A specialty of Naples, this cookie has everything you want in a Christmas cookie – warming spices, honey, chocolate, and fragrant orange. Courtesy of Marcellinaincucina.com.
Anginetti (Italian Wedding Cookies) – Soft lemon-glazed knot cookies, popular throughout southern Italy at weddings and holidays. This moist cakey cookie is easy to make and enjoy!
Tuscan & Central Italian Cookies
Befanini Cookies -Also known as Epiphany Cookies. They are slightly lemony cut-out cookies named for the Befana, an old woman who leaves gifts for children on the Epiphany. Courtesy of Kitchenserf.com.
Cantucci (Tuscan Almond Biscotti) – Twice-baked almond cookies, traditionally dipped in Vin Santo or enjoyed with a cup of espresso. Popular all over the world! Courtesy of Littlenonni.com.
Lemon Ricotta Cookies – A citrusy twist on the classic ricotta cookie. A Roman tradition of using ricotta in their pastries has become popular throughout Italy.
Northern Italian Cookies
Baci di Dama – Mini Italian chocolate-filled sandwich cookies made with chocolate and vanilla that originate from Tortona, a town in Piedmont, Northern Italy. These little cookies will definitely put a smile on your face. Courtesy of XOXOBella.com.
Amaretti– A traditional Italian treat that’s chewy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. These Italian classics are easy to make and with their snowy powdered sugar finish, they’re as pretty as they are tasty. Courtesy of XOXOBella.com.
Brutti ma Buoni – These “ugly but delicious” cookies are Italian hazelnut meringue cookies made using just 4 simple ingredients. These treats are a must-try! Courtesy of MarcellinainCucina.com.
Italian-American Favorites
Classic Italian Rainbow Cookies – Almond cake layers with jam and chocolate, popular in Italian-American bakeries
Homemade Italian Butter Cookies – Bakery-style piped cookies perfect for trays.
FAQs About Italian Cookies
There are so many popular Italian cookies but Cuccidati, struffoli, pignoli, sesame cookies, and biscotti are classics.
Every region has its specialties! Sicily is famous for almond and citrus cookies, Tuscany for biscotti, Naples for honey-based treats, and Northern Italy for hazelnut and chocolate cookies.
Yes, most Italian cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container and they will stay fresh in the freezer for several months. Defrost them at room temperature for best results.
Yes, the word biscotti is used in Italy to generally refer to cookies. They are also twice-baked Italian cookies traditionally dipped in coffee or wine.
Italian Cookies are the Best!
Italian cookies are as diverse as Italy itself — from Sicily’s almond-rich pasticcini to Tuscany’s crunchy biscotti, each one tells the story of its region. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, weddings, or just Sunday coffee, these recipes will bring a little piece of Italy into your kitchen.
I love to get your feedback, so if you try one of these Italian Cookie Recipes or any other recipe on this website, please leave me a comment below. I hope you enjoy our recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you!
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