12 Italian Christmas Cookies That Are Simply Magnifico

A cinnamon fig roll full of nuts, candied citrus, and even chocolate is a rich, dense Italian treat. It should be prepared a month in advance by storing in a dark, cool place so the flavors have time to develop.

Whether or not you're a traditionalist, you'll like the double lift you get from the real espresso powder and aromatic zest of lemon in the dough when you bite into one of these contemporary biscotti.

These "pignoli"—meaning "pine nut"—cookies are so rich in flavor and texture, it's no wonder they're such a beloved classic.

The original cantucci, created in Florence, are simply filled with almonds. Our take on these elegant, thinly sliced cookies are made more festive by adding dried fruits and pistachios, too.

Make a big batch of these bite-size cookies to give to friends for Christmas. They go perfectly with an espresso.

These Christmas cookies are a favorite in Sicily, where they vary from place to place—and are sometimes known by other names! The dough, which is filled with sweet, dried figs and raisins, nuts, and sometimes chocolate and spice, is formed into a log which can be baked in a wreath shape, or cut into cookies before baking.

Polenta is an Italian staple, and not just for dinner it turns out. Here it's used to make a delicious S-shaped cookies, which are flavored with lemon zest and vanilla.

Consider this the funnel cake of Italy, except that the dough is mixed with orange-blossom water, fried in little balls, and dipped in honey and almonds. Hello, heavenly dessert!

Thes crispy anise wafers pair perfectly with ice cream. Mix the batter thoroughly and pipe onto a pizzelle iron; let cool until crispy, and serve with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

The name of these classic Italian cookies translates into English as ugly but good. We beg to differ: These crunchy-chewy cocoa-hazelnut mounds are absolutely gorgeous.

These chewy almond treats hail from the northern city of Genoa. They could be considered more of a bar than a cookie as they are baked in a pan and then cut into their jaunty shapes. It helps to use a ruler to cut the perfect angles.