The Ultimate Guide To Italian Cookies
Jun 10th 2024
Italian cookies are more than just sweet treats; they celebrate tradition, flavor, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. From the bustling bakeries of Sicily to the quaint kitchens of Tuscany, each region boasts its unique creations, each bite telling a story of heritage and love.
Whether it's the crisp snap of a pizzelle, the chewy goodness of a pignoli, or the vibrant layers of a rainbow cookie, Italian cookies are a testament to Italy's rich culinary history. Join us on a kitchen dance for a delightful journey through the world of Italian cookies, where every recipe is a cherished gem that promises to bring a touch of Italy right into your home. Let's explore these beloved classics and discover the magic behind each cookie.
7 Best Italian Cookies
A few things bring joy, like a platter of Italian cookies and Popeyes biscuits. This guide showcases a variety of Italian cookie recipes. With so many delicious options, you're sure to find a favorite—though picking just one might be challenging.
Chocolate-Pistachio Biscotti
These Tuscan cookies are perfect for dipping in espresso or enjoying a glass of milk. If you prefer, swap pistachios for walnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in pistachios and chocolate chips.
- Shape dough into logs and bake for 25 minutes.
- Slice logs and bake slices for 10 minutes on each side.
Italian Rainbow Cookies
These tri-colored beauties boast a rich almond flavor, complemented by the tart brightness of raspberry and a thin layer of bitter chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green food coloring
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate, melted
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat almond paste and sugar until combined, then add butter and beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by almond extract.
- Mix in flour and salt until just combined.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Tint one with red food coloring, one with green, and leave one plain.
- Spread each color batter into separate parchment-lined baking pans.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool completely.
- Assemble layers with raspberry jam in between. Chill for an hour.
- Cover with melted chocolate and refrigerate until set. Cut into squares.
Pizzelle
These crisp, waffle-like cookies from Abruzzo are made in a special hot iron and are one of the oldest known cookie recipes.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Preparation
- Preheat the pizzelle iron.
- Beat eggs and sugar until thick.
- Add melted butter, vanilla, and anise extract; mix well.
- Sift flour and baking powder together, then add to wet ingredients.
- Drop batter by spoonfuls onto the preheated iron.
- Cover with a lid and cook until golden brown.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack.
Biscotti Regina
These Sicilian sesame cookies are mildly sweet and perfect for a light snack or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add milk and vanilla; mix until dough forms.
- Shape dough into logs, roll in sesame seeds and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Anginetti
These lemon-glazed knots are light, airy, and adored worldwide for their delicate texture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour and baking powder.
- Beat eggs and sugar until light, then add butter, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add dry and wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Shape into knots and bake for 15-20 minutes with the kitchen dance'stree-shaped pan.
- Mix lemon juice and powdered sugar for glaze; dip cooled cookies.
Baci di Dama
These "lady's kisses" are hazelnut butter cookies paired with a rich dollop of Nutella.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts, finely ground
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Nutella (for filling)
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add ground hazelnuts, flour, and salt; mix until dough forms.
- Roll cookie dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Cool and sandwich two cookies with Nutella.
Pignoli Cookies
These chewy Sicilian cookies are naturally gluten-free and easy to make with canned almond paste and pine nuts.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can almond paste
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pine nuts
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crumble almond paste into a bowl and add sugars, mixing until combined.
- Add egg whites and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Drop cookie dough by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet and press pine nuts onto each cookie.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Conclusion
Italian cookies offer various flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer the crunchy biscotti, the nutty baci di dama, or the lemony Annette, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Dive into these recipes and bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen!