Classic Italian Christmas Cookies to Bake This Holiday Season
A Sweet Holiday Tradition
There’s something magical about Christmas cookies, especially when the whole family is gathered around the dining table, flour dust in the air, and laughter bouncing off the walls. For us, cookies are more than a treat – they’re a tradition. And this year, we’re baking a trio of classic Italian Christmas cookies: Ricciarelli, Pizzelle, and Struffoli to add to our Christmas dessert table.
We’ve always loved almond-based cookies (there’s something so elegant about that chewy sweetness), and Ricciarelli has been on our “must-try” list for ages. With our kids eager to help roll dough, press cookie irons, and sneak bites when they think we’re not looking, it felt like the perfect year to embrace these festive Italian classics.
If you’re looking for delicious cookies to add to your holiday table, these three are it. Let’s dive into their stories, recipes, and why they deserve a spot in your kitchen this season.
Tools you’ll need: Italian Cookie Baking Essentials
This list includes items used in the recipes — the links below are affiliate links, which means The Best of This Life may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Now, onto the cookies!
1. Ricciarelli: Chewy Almond Cookies from Siena
The History
Ricciarelli originated in Siena, Tuscany during the 14th century. Inspired by Middle Eastern marzipan, they became a favorite among Italian nobility and were traditionally served during Christmas.
These diamond-shaped almond cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and naturally gluten-free. They’re dusted with powdered sugar and carry delicate notes of citrus and vanilla.
Why We Love Them
They’re simple, elegant, and packed with almond flavour – like a lighter, chewier cousin of the macaron. Plus, they’re so fun to shape and coat in powdered sugar.
Ricciarelli Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 egg whites
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for rolling and dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, sugar, zest, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gently fold into dry ingredients with extracts.
- Form into small diamond or oval shapes, roll in powdered sugar, and place on tray.
- Bake 20–22 minutes until lightly golden but still soft in the center.
- Cool and dust with more powdered sugar.
2. Pizzelle: Italy’s Oldest Cookie
The History
Pizzelle hail from the Abruzzo region and are considered the oldest known cookie in Italy. Traditionally made for weddings and celebrations, they symbolize warmth, joy, and family heritage.
These delicate waffle cookies are cooked using a special iron and often flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon zest.
Why We Love Them
They’re light, crispy, and so beautiful – each one like a tiny edible snowflake. They’re perfect for making in big batches and gifting them in tins to family and neighbours.
Pizzelle Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or anise extract)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Beat eggs and sugar until light and thick. Add butter and extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mix.
- Heat pizzelle iron. Drop a tablespoon of batter in center and close lid.
- Cook 30–60 seconds until golden. Remove carefully and cool on racks.
- Store in airtight container—they keep beautifully for weeks!
3. Struffoli: Honey-Drenched Dough Balls
The History
A Neapolitan Christmas favorite, Struffoli are tiny fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkles. The name may come from the Greek word for “rounded,” and the treat dates back to ancient times.
Traditionally shaped into a wreath, Struffoli are both festive and symbolic—representing abundance, family, and sweetness in the coming year.
Why We Love Them
They’re crunchy, sticky, and fun to make as a group – rolling the little balls, frying them up, and decorating with rainbow sprinkles. They’re a joyful mess in the best way.
Struffoli Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup honey
- Sprinkles (nonpareils)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, and zest. Knead until dough is smooth.
- Divide into sections and roll into ropes. Cut into small pea-sized pieces.
- Roll into balls and fry in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Heat honey in a pan. Toss warm balls in honey and mound into wreath or pyramid shape.
- Sprinkle generously and let cool.
FAQs: Italian Christmas Cookies
Q: Are Ricciarelli gluten-free?
Yes! Ricciarelli are naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour.
Q: Do I need a special tool for Pizzelle?
Yes, you’ll need a pizzelle iron – similar to a waffle press. It’s worth investing in if you love beautiful cookies.
Q: Can I make Struffoli ahead of time?
Absolutely. Struffoli can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them at room temperature and cover lightly.
Baking Memories with a Side of Sugar
One of my favourite parts of the holiday season is the time we spend baking together as a family. Our dining table transforms into a cookie workshop – dough in every corner, powdered sugar footprints on the floor, our curious cat watching the action and sneaky fingers stealing tastes.
Sweet Traditions Worth Starting
Whether you have Italian roots or simply love a good almond cookie (like we do), these three classic treats bring something truly special to the holiday season. From the chewy elegance of Ricciarelli to the crisp snowflake charm of Pizzelle and the festive stickiness of Struffoli, each cookie is a celebration in itself.
Baking together as a family, trying new traditions, and sharing cookies with people we love—that’s the heart of the holidays.
- Kitchen Organization Essentials I Actually Use - February 5, 2026
- Dear Readers: Here’s to a Merry & Magical December - December 1, 2025
- Black Friday Bedroom Furniture Deals from Wayfair - November 25, 2025
