Every Italian nonna knows: Christmas isn’t complete without a giant tray of cookies. These 10 traditional recipes are the ones you’ll find on every Italian-American table — some take time, some are stupid easy, all are 100 % worth it.
1. Cuccidati (Sicilian Fig Cookies)
The king of Italian Christmas cookies.
Filling: Figs + raisins + orange zest + walnuts + honey + Marsala
Dough: Buttery shortbread → lattice or simple glaze + sprinkles
2. Ricciarelli (Sienese Almond Cookies)
Soft, chewy, gluten-free perfection.
Ingredients: Almond flour + powdered sugar + egg whites → crackled tops dusted with more sugar
3. Struffoli (Neapolitan Honey Balls)
Tiny fried dough balls drenched in honey → Christmas tree shape
Top with: Sprinkles + candied fruit
4. Italian Rainbow Cookies (Tricolor/Venetian)
The prettiest cookie on the tray.
Three almond sponge layers → raspberry jam → chocolate coating → red, white, green
5. Pignoli Cookies
Chewy amaretti studded with pine nuts.
Secret: Real almond paste (not marzipan) → golden edges
6. Amaretti (Classic Crunchy or Soft)
2 ingredients: almond flour + sugar + egg whites
Snap decision: Bake 12 min soft, 18 min crunchy
7. Pizzelle (Anise Waffle Cookies)
Need a pizzelle iron → worth it forever.
Flavor options: Anise (classic), vanilla, chocolate, lemon
8. Biscotti di Natale (Twice-Baked Holiday Biscotti)
Almond or pistachio → studded with dried fruit
Dip one end in white chocolate → holiday sprinkles
9. Torrone (Italian Nougat)
Buy the soft kind or make hard version with honey + egg whites + nuts
Cut into squares → wrap in rice paper
10. Mostaccioli (Chocolate-Spiced Diamonds)
Campania’s spiced chocolate cookie
Spices: Cinnamon + cloves + cocoa + honey → diamond shape → chocolate glaze
Italian Cookie Tray Pro Tips 2025
1. Make dough weeks ahead → freeze unbaked
2. Line everything with parchment → nonna-approved
3. Use real almond paste for ricciarelli/pignoli → game changer
4. Store in tins with wax paper between layers → lasts a month
5. Gift in festive boxes → instant Italian grandma status
Final Thoughts
These 10 Italian Christmas cookies are pure holiday tradition in every bite. From the fig-filled cuccidati that take all day to the 3-ingredient amaretti that take 15 minutes, they’re all part of the magic.
Save this list, stock up on almond paste and candied orange, and make 2025 the year your cookie tray goes full Italian nonna!
