Italian cookies are world-renowned for their unique flavors, ingredients, and textures. These cookies reflect Italy’s rich regional diversity, with each area offering its own specialty. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, what are those Italian cookies called?, you’re not alone! Let’s explore the most famous Italian cookies, their origins, and where you can find inspiration to bake your own.
The Tradition of Italian Cookies
Italian cookies are more than just desserts; they are a celebration of heritage and tradition. They are commonly enjoyed during holidays and family gatherings, often passed down through generations. Each region in Italy boasts its own version of cookies, ranging from the crisp biscotti to the chewy pignoli.
One of the most famous Italian cookies is biscotti, which originated in Tuscany. These cookies are twice-baked, giving them their crunchy texture. Traditionally flavored with almonds, biscotti are perfect for dipping into coffee or wine. For a twist on this classic, try experimenting with different ingredients like chocolate or dried fruits. If you’re in the mood for a more modern flavor, check out these Earl Grey Cookies for a delightful alternative.
Another popular cookie is the pizzelle, a thin, waffle-like cookie often made during Christmas and Easter. These cookies are typically flavored with anise or vanilla and are pressed in a special iron to give them their distinctive shape. For other holiday-themed treats, you might want to try this delicious Pumpkin Banana Loaf, which brings autumn flavors into your baking routine.
Popular Italian Cookies and Their Origins
1. Biscotti
Biscotti are perhaps the most famous Italian cookie, known for their crunchy texture due to their twice-baked preparation. They are often enjoyed with coffee or dessert wine. Traditionally flavored with almonds, these cookies have evolved into a variety of flavors.
- Origin: Tuscany
- Key Flavors: Almond, anise, chocolate
- Best Paired With: Coffee or dessert wine
2. Pizzelle
Pizzelle are thin, crisp, waffle-like cookies that are a staple in Italian homes, particularly during the holidays. They are typically flavored with anise or vanilla and are made using a special pizzelle iron.
- Origin: Abruzzo
- Key Flavors: Anise, vanilla
- Best Paired With: Coffee or tea
3. Amaretti
Amaretti are small, chewy almond cookies that can either be crunchy or soft, depending on the recipe. They are made using almond flour, giving them a rich, nutty flavor.
- Origin: Lombardy and Piedmont
- Key Flavors: Almond
- Best Paired With: Espresso or dessert wine
4. Italian Fig Cookies (Cuccidati)
Cuccidati are fig-filled cookies from Sicily that are traditionally made during the Christmas season. The cookies are filled with a spiced mixture of figs, almonds, and honey, making them a flavorful and festive treat.
- Origin: Sicily
- Key Flavors: Fig, almond, honey
- Best Paired With: Mulled wine or coffee
5. Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli are almond-based cookies topped with pine nuts. These chewy cookies are a staple of Sicilian baking and are often enjoyed during the holidays.
- Origin: Sicily
- Key Flavors: Almond, pine nuts
- Best Paired With: Espresso or cappuccino
More Unique Italian Cookies
Baci di Dama (Lady Kisses)
Baci di Dama are sandwich cookies made from hazelnuts or almonds and filled with chocolate. Their name translates to “lady kisses” due to their delicate, bite-sized shape.
- Origin: Piedmont
- Key Flavors: Hazelnut, chocolate
- Best Paired With: Tea or coffee
Rainbow Cookies
Rainbow cookies are popular in Italian-American bakeries. Made with layers of almond sponge cake, these colorful cookies are filled with jam and coated in chocolate.
- Origin: Italian-American
- Key Flavors: Almond, raspberry, chocolate
- Best Paired With: Espresso or tea
Canestrelli
Canestrelli are flower-shaped shortbread cookies from Liguria, typically served during special occasions. They are buttery, crumbly, and often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Origin: Liguria
- Key Flavors: Vanilla, lemon
- Best Paired With: Tea or cappuccino
Brutti ma Buoni (Ugly but Good)
These meringue-based cookies might not look pretty, but they are packed with flavor. Made with nuts like hazelnuts or almonds, Brutti ma Buoni are crunchy and sweet.
- Origin: Lombardy
- Key Flavors: Hazelnut, almond
- Best Paired With: Coffee or hot chocolate
Italian Cookie Traditions and Occasions
Italian cookies are an essential part of celebrations and family gatherings. Many cookies, such as pizzelle and cuccidati, are made during Christmas, often given as gifts or displayed on festive cookie trays. Others, like biscotti, are enjoyed year-round, particularly with coffee or dessert wine.
Italy’s diverse regions contribute to a variety of cookie styles, with the North favoring buttery, nut-based cookies like Baci di Dama, while the South is known for using ingredients like figs, almonds, and citrus, as seen in Cuccidati and Pignoli.
FAQs About Italian Cookies
What are some Italian cookies called?
Popular Italian cookies include biscotti, amaretti, pizzelle, and cuccidati.
What is the most popular cookie in Italy?
Biscotti and amaretti are among the most popular, with pizzelle and pignoli also widely enjoyed depending on the region.
What is another word for Italian cookies?
The word “biscotti” is often used to describe Italian cookies in general, although it technically refers to the twice-baked variety.
What kind of cookies are in an Italian cookie tray?
An Italian cookie tray typically features a mix of biscotti, pignoli, pizzelle, amaretti, and rainbow cookies.
Conclusion: The World of Italian Cookies
Italian cookies offer a rich variety of flavors and textures, from the crunchy biscotti to the delicate pignoli. Whether you’re enjoying them during the holidays or alongside your daily coffee, these cookies are a sweet reminder of Italy’s culinary heritage. Be sure to explore different types, and don’t hesitate to bake some of your own, inspired by Italy’s most beloved treats!
Print
What are those Italian cookies called?
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian cookies are world-renowned for their unique flavors, ingredients, and textures. These cookies reflect Italy’s rich regional diversity, with each area offering its own specialty. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, what are those Italian cookies called?, you’re not alone! Let’s explore the most famous Italian cookies, their origins, and where you can find inspiration to bake your own.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup almonds (ground)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls or shape it using cookie cutters. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Notes
Italian cookies offer a rich variety of flavors and textures, from the crunchy biscotti to the delicate pignoli. Whether you’re enjoying them during the holidays or alongside your daily coffee, these cookies are a sweet reminder of Italy’s culinary heritage. Be sure to explore different types, and don’t hesitate to bake some of your own, inspired by Italy’s most beloved treats!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Italian cookies, almond cookies, biscotti, amaretti, Italian baking, holiday cookies, traditional Italian cookies, Italian desserts