40 Italian Cookies and Biscuits 🍪 Traditional Italian Biscotti & more! (2024)

If you've ever had the pleasure of savoring Italian biscuits, you're already familiar with their irresistible charm. These delectable treats effortlessly transport you to the heart of Italy, where centuries of culinary expertise have shaped them into the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

These aren’t just crispy and sweet treats; they’re an invitation to experience the warmth and charm of Italian culture, one bite at a time. So go ahead, check out the list below, and indulge in these little pieces if you crave an Italian breakfast or snack. After all, life is too short not to enjoy good food.

Delicious Italian Biscuits and Cookies

1. Biscotti

Try this easy Orange ChocolateAlmond Biscotti Recipewith a cup of coffee. They are easier to make than you may think.

2. Amaretti (Italian Almond Cookies)

Bake amaretti and fill up your kitchen with the sweet aroma of almonds. These Italian delicacies are soft and chewy, offering a heavenly taste with every bite.

3. Krumiri

The biscuit is made using fine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla seeds. They are slightly curved and generously dusted with powdered sugar before serving.

4. Occhio Di Bue

Italian sandwich sweet treats are thin, buttery crispy desserts filled with a variety of delicious fillings, such as jam or chocolate frosting. Each variant offers a unique taste experience, making them irresistible and hard to stop at just one.

5. Italian Wine Cookies

Infused with the rich flavor of grape must, these Italian wine treats offer a unique taste that’s both sweet and slightly tangy. The dough's subtle wine essence complements the texture, which captures the essence of Italian vineyards.

6. Anginetti

Savoring theseItalian lemon goodies with espresso is an experience thanks to the sweet frosting. These, often enjoyed during Christmas, Easter, and weddings, are soft and cake-like, offering a moist crumb that doesn’t crumble.

7. Baci di Dama

Baci di Dama consists of two small, buttery hazelnut treats sandwiched together with rich and creamy chocolate icing. When arranged on a tray, their round shape and contrasting colors create an inviting and visually appealing display.

8. Italian Strawberry Filled Cookies

Soft, buttery, and fruity, these strawberry-filled goodies are a sweet treat any time of the year. Picture enjoying these with a glass of dessert wine, the sweetness of the wine complementing the fruity center. A hint of orange zest could add a refreshing twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

9. Bruttiboni

Expect a rich filling encased in a delicate pastry shell in this Bruttiboni recipe. The aromatic flavor permeates every bite, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. These are a must-try for dessert enthusiasts because of the crisp exterior that gives way to a luscious hazelnut pastry center.

10. Fregolotta

The crumbly texture of Fregolottacomplements a soothing cup of coffee. Its delicate sweetness and buttery richness make it the perfect companion for a morning dip or an afternoon indulgence. Its rustic charm and almond-sprinkled top layer add a delightful twist to your coffee-break ritual.

11. Cuccidati

Cuccidati, a classic Italian treat, is a holiday favorite. A medley of dried figs, raisins, almonds, chocolate, and jam creates a unique, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor profile. A pinch of spices and a hint of honey enhance the complexity of the filling.

12. Reginelle

Reginelle can be found in nearly every Italian bakery. They are loaded with sesame seeds and their crunchy biscuit-like texture makes them the perfect partner for coffee or espresso. The wonderful flavor from the lightly toasted sesame seeds pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture and hint of lemon zest.

13. Fennel Seed Taralli

With a hint of fragrant fennel seeds, you get a crunch and a savory kick from this taralli. The richness of olive oil and the subtle undertone of red wine give Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

14. Venetian Butter Cookies

Bussola is a Venetian treat that is lightly lemon-flavored and not too sweet. Enjoy these treats with a foamy cappuccino or a glass of sweet wine.

15. Pizzelle

Pizzelle brings back memories of Italian-American Christmas parties. With a thin, crunchy texture, some people enjoy topping their Pizzelle with walnuts for a bit of crunch.

16. Sfogliatelle

Sfogliatelle is a legendary Italian pastry that a baker would take pride in crafting. Enjoying this delicacy alongside a cup of espresso, the subtle sweetness of the cream perfectly balances the robust coffee. Despite its intricate appearance, the secret to its light, flaky texture lies in the yeast.

17. Brutti ma Buoni

Brutti ma Buoni is a delightful paradox. Despite their name translating to ‘ugly but good’, these goodies knead together into a treat that’s crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

18. Mostaccioli

Mostaccioli is reminiscent of the Molise region’s rich culinary heritage. Infused with the essence of almonds and honey, they carry a hint of citrus from the orange and lemon zest, evoking the vibrant flavors of Sardinian cuisine.

19. Pignole

Pignoli, a staple in southern Italy and Sicily is a luxurious treat that exudes an addictive, fragrant almond flavor. A true delight of the Italian kitchen, or “della cucina italiana”, these are traditionally savored around the holidays.

20. Zuccherini

Zuccherini features a subtle hint of aniseed that adds a unique and aromatic flavor. They have a delicate, crispy texture reminiscent of traditional tegole, making them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

21. Canestrelli

Shaped like flowers and dusted with powdered sugar, Canestrelli is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Using egg yolks as a key ingredient, these biscuits have a rich, buttery flavor. A pinch of salt is added to the dough to enhance the sweetness and provide a subtle contrast.

22. Chiacchiere

Crispy and delicate, these traditional Italian gems are fried to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown exterior. Ideal for dunking into a cup of espresso or enjoyed as a sweet indulgence on their own.

23. Italian Pistachio Cookies

Bursting with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios, these chewy Italian cookies offer a delightful crunch with every bite. Each cookie is a slice of heaven, embodying the essence of traditional Italian baking.

24. Susumelle

Enriched with a blend of aromatic spices, honey, and toasted almonds, these Susumelle Calabrian Christmas goodies, often found in Italian bakeries, are a festive delight that captures the essence of the holiday season.

25. Italian Tarrone

A cherished delight during Christmas in many Italian homes, Torrone is a nougat confection, traditionally made of honey, beaten egg whites, almonds, wafers, and more. It’s a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in various forms - hard or soft, very sweet or less sweet, plain or covered in chocolate.

26. Italian Wedding Cookies

Brimming with the enticing aroma of almond essence, these soft Italian treats are bliss to the senses. Paired with a glass of sweet dessert wine, they transform a simple afternoon into a special occasion.

27. Bocconotti

Italian bocconotti are a type of Italian biscotti that are filled with chocolate, jam, or custard. A pastry chef would need to use a special mold or a muffin tin to make these delicious treats.

28. Tetù

Tetù is traditionally glazed with white or chocolate icing and sometimes enjoyed with a glass of vin santo. They have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, studded with chopped walnuts.

29. Orange and Almond Cantucci

A variation of the classic Italian recipe is the orange and almond cantucci, which uses ground almonds and sapa, a sweet syrup made from cooked grape must. Sapa adds a rich caramel flavor and a chewy texture to these, making them irresistible.

30. Traditional Italian Braided Cookies

These Italian braided treats are made with a soft buttery dough that is flavored with vanilla and lemon zest and then shaped into elegant braids. After baking, they are sprinkled with icing sugar and drizzled with a lemon or orange liqueur glaze that adds a touch of citrusy freshness.

31. Roccoco

Roccoco are traditional Neapolitan ring goodies that are usually eaten during Christmas time. They have a hard and crunchy texture and a spicy and aromatic flavor. Roccoco is often roasted in the oven until golden brown and glazed with sugar or chocolate.

32. Gocciole

These Italian biscuits are rich and indulgent, with a deep cocoa flavor that's intensified by finely ground cocoa powder. Chocolate lovers are in for a treat, thanks to the harmonious balance of sweetness and bitter notes.

33. Biscotti A Esse

The Italian S cookies are a popular breakfast treat in Italian cuisine. They have a crumbly texture and a delicious lemon aroma.

34. Florentine Cookies

The Florentine is a crispy and chewy Italian biscuit that is made with a basic recipe of butter, sugar, honey, cream, and flour. It is typically studded with toasted almonds and candied fruit peel. These are perfect for storing in a biscuit jar and enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

35. Savoiardi

The Sicilian savoiardi is a type of ladyfinger treat that is delicately sweet and is a specialty of the Lazio region in Italy. They are made with a sponge cake batter and are often used in desserts such as tiramisu or Charlotte. So they would be great with your coffee or tea.

36. Italian Ricotta Cookies

This is one of our favorite cookie recipes! They’re a cake-like cookie full of rich buttery flavor, topped with a perfect vanilla glaze and your favorite sprinkles. There is even a Christmas Ricotta cookie version.

37. Chocolate Pizzelles

Thischocolate pizzelle recipewill be a delicious addition to yourChristmas cookierecipe box. Learn about the secret toperfect pizzelle cookiesand why this is thebest cocoa pizzelle recipe.

38. LemonPizzelle

Thin and crisp, pizzelles are aclassic Italian cookieand are a favorite to take toholiday cookie exchanges.

39. Crisp Amaretti Cookies

40. ALMOND BISCOTTI

Almond biscottiwith cranberries is perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of espresso or coffee drink. This easy Italian twice-baked cookie is delicious to enjoy at home or package them up and give as a gift.

📖 Recipe

👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.