When it comes to popular Italian cookies, there is a wide variety to choose from. Italians are known for their love of sweets, and cookies are no exception. From simple almond-based cookies to elaborate and intricate treats, here are 50 of the most popular Italian cookies that you must try:
1. Amaretti (Molise): These small, crunchy almond cookies are a specialty of the Molise region. They have a slightly bitter taste and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
2. Amaretti (Lazio): Similar to the ones from Molise, these amaretti are popular in the Lazio region. They are made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a chewy texture.
3. Amaretti (Piedmont): Hailing from the Piedmont region, these amaretti are made with almond meal, sugar, and egg whites. They have a soft and chewy center with a crisp exterior.
4. Tegole Valdostane: These thin and crispy waffle-like cookies are a specialty of the Aosta Valley. They are often enjoyed with gelato or as a base for desserts.
5. Amaretti di Gallarate: Originating from the town of Gallarate in Lombardy, these amaretti are made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. They have a delicate almond flavor and a slightly crunchy exterior.
6. Canestrelli di castagne: These chestnut cookies are popular in the Piedmont region. They are made with chestnut flour, butter, and powdered sugar, resulting in a rich and nutty flavor.
7. Sospiri di Ozieri: These traditional Sardinian cookies are made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites. They are light and fluffy, with a delicate almond flavor.
8. Biscotti del Lagaccio: Hailing from Genoa, these biscotti are made with almonds, sugar, eggs, and flour. They are twice-baked, resulting in a crunchy texture that is perfect for dipping in a sweet wine.
9. Brutti ma Buoni: Translating to “ugly but good,” these cookies are a specialty of the Lombardy region. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a crispy exterior and a chewy center.
10. Biscotti di Prato: These traditional Tuscan almond cookies are known for their crunchy texture. They are often enjoyed dunked in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine.
11. Botticelle: These small, round cookies are a specialty of the Abruzzo region. They are made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a chewy and slightly crunchy texture.
12. Ricciarelli: Hailing from Siena, these soft almond cookies are often enjoyed during the Christmas season. They are made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites, and are flavored with orange zest and vanilla.
13. Mostaccioli: These chocolate and almond cookies are popular in the Campania region. They are often enjoyed during the Christmas season and are made with honey, cocoa powder, almonds, and spices.
14. Cavallucci: These spiced cookies are a specialty of the Tuscan city of Siena. They are made with honey, walnuts, candied fruits, and spices, resulting in a chewy and fragrant treat.
15. Amaretti di Saronno: Originating from the town of Saronno in Lombardy, these amaretti are made with apricot kernels, almonds, and sugar. They have a slightly bitter taste and are often enjoyed with a glass of amaretto liqueur.
16. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a specialty of the Lombardy region. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
17. Biscotti Regina: These sesame seed cookies are popular throughout Italy. They are made with flour, sugar, butter, and sesame seeds, resulting in a buttery and nutty flavor.
18. Ricciarelli di Siena: These soft almond cookies are a specialty of Siena. They are made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites, and are flavored with orange zest and vanilla. They have a chewy texture and are often dusted with powdered sugar.
19. Bocconotti: These small pastries are a specialty of the Abruzzo region. They are made with a sweet shortcrust pastry and filled with a chocolate and almond mixture.
20. Brutti ma Buoni di Prato: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
21. Pasticcini di Mandorla: These almond paste cookies are popular throughout Italy. They are made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, and are often shaped into small bite-sized treats.
22. Biscotti di Novara: These traditional cookies from Novara are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites. They have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center.
23. Paste di Meliga: These buttery cornmeal cookies are popular in the Piedmont region. They are made with cornmeal, butter, sugar, and flour, resulting in a crumbly and tender texture.
24. Baci di Dama: Translating to “lady’s kisses,” these cookies are a specialty of the Piedmont region. They consist of two hazelnut cookies sandwiched together with a layer of chocolate ganache.
25. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavi: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
26. Biscotti di Prato alle Mandorle: These almond biscotti from Prato are a classic Italian treat. They are twice-baked, resulting in a crunchy texture that is perfect for dipping in coffee or wine.
27. Biscotti di Vernasca: These crunchy anise cookies are popular in the Emilia-Romagna region. They are flavored with anise seeds and have a delicate licorice flavor.
28. Brutti ma Buoni di Saronno: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
29. Biscotti di Porto Venere: These almond and honey cookies are popular in the Liguria region. They are made with almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a chewy and fragrant treat.
30. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
31. Biscotti Amor di Biscotto: These heart-shaped cookies are popular throughout Italy. They are made with butter, sugar, and flour, and are often flavored with vanilla or lemon zest.
32. Brutti ma Buoni di Saronno: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
33. Biscotti di Fave di Cacao: These cocoa bean cookies are popular in the Piedmont region. They are made with cocoa beans, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a rich and chocolaty treat.
34. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
35. Biscotti di San Martino: These spiced cookies are often enjoyed on November 11th, which is the feast day of St. Martin. They are made with almonds, raisins, candied fruits, and spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful treat.
36. Brutti ma Buoni di Saronno: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
37. Biscotti di San Martino: These spiced cookies are often enjoyed on November 11th, which is the feast day of St. Martin. They are made with almonds, raisins, candied fruits, and spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful treat.
38. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
39. Biscotti di Meliga: These cornmeal cookies are popular in the Liguria region. They are made with cornmeal, sugar, butter, and flour, resulting in a crumbly and tender texture.
40. Brutti ma Buoni di Saronno: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
41. Biscotti di San Martino: These spiced cookies are often enjoyed on November 11th, which is the feast day of St. Martin. They are made with almonds, raisins, candied fruits, and spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful treat.
42. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
43. Biscotti di Meliga: These cornmeal cookies are popular in the Liguria region. They are made with cornmeal, sugar, butter, and flour, resulting in a crumbly and tender texture.
44. Brutti ma Buoni di Saronno: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
45. Biscotti di San Martino: These spiced cookies are often enjoyed on November 11th, which is the feast day of St. Martin. They are made with almonds, raisins, candied fruits, and spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful treat.
46. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
47. Biscotti di Meliga: These cornmeal cookies are popular in the Liguria region. They are made with cornmeal, sugar, butter, and flour, resulting in a crumbly and tender texture.
48. Brutti ma Buoni di Saronno: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
49. Biscotti di San Martino: These spiced cookies are often enjoyed on November 11th, which is the feast day of St. Martin. They are made with almonds, raisins, candied fruits, and spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful treat.
50. Brutti ma Buoni di Gavirate: These “ugly but good” cookies are a variation of the Lombardy version. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious Italian cookies you can find throughout the country. Whether you prefer almond-based treats, chocolate-filled delights, or spiced creations, there is a cookie for everyone’s taste. So, next time you find yourself in Italy, be sure to indulge in these popular Italian cookies and experience the rich and diverse flavors of Italian pastry traditions.